If Pierce County voters decide to switch to an appointed sheriff and remove Sheriff Keith Swank from office, his successor’s salary could be higher, and there might be other costs associated with finding qualified candidates for the job.
The ballot measure to switch to an appointed sheriff is called Amendment 53 on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. It is one of seven amendments voters are considering making to the Pierce County Charter, a document that acts as the county government’s constitution.
Four of the proposed amendments to the Pierce County Charter are expected to have minimal or nonexistent financial effects. The potential creation of two new government entities meant to provide independent oversight of the Sheriff’s Office and juvenile detention are estimated to come with significant annual costs.
Sheriff’s pay
Fiscal impact statements released by the Pierce County Charter Commission state that if the sheriff becomes an appointed position, the way that person’s pay is decided would change. For elected officials, a 10-member salary commission makes recommendations for pay adjustments to County Council. If the sheriff were appointed, that person’s salary would be established by the county’s general compensation plan, which is prescribed by the Charter, and administrative guidelines…