Nov. 10—LIMA — Allen County Commissioners have approved an agreement with the Allen County Sheriff's Department, Fraternal Order of Police and the Ohio Labor Council just before budgeting season. The three-year-long contract includes wages, insurance, days and hours of operation for each part of the department.

The support unit includes the clerical, cooks, and maintenance. The blue union of the sheriff's department includes the deputies, correctional officers, and dispatchers. The gold union of the sheriff's department includes the supervisors.

Although the contract between the entities is not new, a fresh addition has been made.

In June of 2022, the Allen County Commissioners approved an equitable wage increase to address job retention at the Allen County Sheriff's Department.

"With the job market what it is, it's not hard to find a job where you don't have to work nights and weekends," Allen County Sheriff Matthew Treglia said in a previous interview. "When you're making $18 an hour as a corrections officer there are a lot of other places you can go and make more money."

Treglia hoped to retain employees by requesting a budget increase of $720,000 annually.

"The increase did not bring employees to the highest level of wages, but something more competitive," said Allen County Commissioner Beth Seibert. "We all understand there are limits to the budget, but we also understand the need to keep the community safe."

Allen County Commissioner Brian Winegardner said the increase is going well.

"We have seen good progress with retention," said Winegardner. "They are starting to see the dividends to it. We are seeing that retention with our employees. They are starting to recruit new officers and new employees in general."

The increase that began in June of 2022 will carry over into the new three-year contract that will be renewed next year.

"This one was a pretty good process," said Winegardner. "I would like to commend the men and women that work at the sheriff's office. I know it is a hard job and sometimes a thankless job. I know first-hand. I would like to commend them for what they do on a daily basis."

Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.