Bonuses denied for sheriff's department, while sheriff seeks salary increase

A proposed bonus was denied for Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department employees.

But Sheriff Bob Goldsmith is one step closer to a significant increase in his own salary.

Won't be seeing more money next year.

News 18's joe paul is live to talk about this week's budget hearings and their impact on the sheriff's office.

Joe?

I'm here at the sheriff's office, where employees were hoping for a bonus.

That proposal didn't make it out of this week's budget hearings.

But the sheriff is one st closer to a salary crease.

Sheriff bob goldsmith's proposed budget includes a $20,000 bump in pay.

As news 18 previously reported, the county is foregoing raises for most employees due to budget concerns.

The county will see a loss of roughly $1 million in income tax revenue due to covid-19-related layoffs and furloughs.

But county auditor bob plantenga says goldsmith is the lowest paid sheriff in similarly sized counties.

He did seem to be underpaid.

Now, was this the year to be able to bring that up to snuff?

Maybe not.

Goldsmith also requested a $1,000 bonus for all his employees to be paid by the county's public safety tax.

But that was struck down by the county council.

Some of the revenue from the tax will be used in 2021 to purchase 20 new patrol cars.

Goldsmith wasn't available today for an in-person interview.

But he said over the phone that he was disappointed the council denied his request for employee bonuses.

He added that his department was aware he would be seeking a salary increase in line with sheriffs of similar counties.

A public hearing on the county budget will take place at 6 p.m.

Thursday.

The council will approve the budget during its meeting september 8.

A domestic dispute in peru led to arrests for drug and gun charges.

It all started tuesday at about 10:30