FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to approve an addendum to the Fraternal Order of Police contract that increases the hourly wage of a fully-certified starting patrol deputy.

The reason for the increase is to make the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office more competitive with law enforcement agencies within the county to attract new certified, law enforcement officers and retain them, Commissioner Charles “Charlie” Webster of Farmington said. It is very expensive for the county to train deputies and then have them leave to take a job with another agency, he said.

The increase pertains to starting law enforcement officers with the county who have completed training at a criminal justice academy.

Currently, starting patrol deputies make $15.46 an hour while police in Farmington, Jay, Rangeley and Wilton make at least $2.67 more an hour, according to information provided by Chief Deputy Steven Lowell.

The difference between the county’s pay scale and the other agencies ranges from $5,553.60 to $8,715.20 a year, Lowell’s information shows.

Once the pay rate becomes official, starting deputies will make $18.68 per hour.

The new pay schedule will not be official until the union approves the addendum. There will be no retroactive pay, Commissioner Gary McGrane of Jay said.

The negotiation was discussed in an executive session with Lowell prior to the decision being voted on in public session.

The Sheriff’s Office normally has nine patrol deputies but only has six at this time, Webster said.

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Franklin County law enforcement officer 2016 pay scales

The below hourly wages represent fully-certified law enforcement officers starting out at an agency.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: $15.46; after pay rate addendum approved: $18.68

Jay Police Department: $19.65 

Farmington Police Department: $18.99

Rangeley Police Department: $18.82

Wilton Police Department: $18.13

Source: Franklin County Chief Deputy Steven Lowell.