Union in talks with county to give Volusia County deputies raises

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County Deputies Association said deputies are fleeing the county to take higher paying jobs with other departments.

The union said if it's not fixed soon, the shortage could become a danger.

The association president, Brodie Hughes, said deputies are clocking an extra 30 hours a week and the hours are necessary in order to make up for the department being down close to 40 deputies.

It’s about 7 percent of the force.

“It's getting to the point (where) it's going to affect their judgement,” said Hughes. “It's going to affect the way they deal with people.”

Because deputies are picking up those extra hours, Hughes said the response times have not been affected.

He said one deputy worked 3,000 hours of overtime in five years.

“He raised a $100,000 but he burned himself out and said, ‘Hey, it’s time to do something else,’” said Hughes.

Starting pay for a Volusia County deputy is $36,8000.

Hughes said deputies are leaving to take jobs in places like Seminole County where they can make almost 15 percent more a year.

The union is in the middle of contract negotiations with the county.

Hughes said deputies need a raise.

“I think sooner or later they have to pull their heads out

of the sand and they need to say this is an issue and we need to fix,” said Hughes.

County Council Member Heather Post said she would support a raise, but did not specify how much.

The rest of the council did not respond to request for comment.

The union plans to continue its negotiations with the county in a few weeks.

The Sheriff's Office said it’s becoming more aggressive with its recruiting efforts and wants to streamline the application process.

Cox Media Group