SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma is asking for $16 million more for his budget this year, an increase he said is needed as his department deals with challenges recruiting and maintaining deputies in a competitive job market.
In a letter to commissioners, Sheriff Lemma writes in part, “we operate in an increasingly competitive environment for recruiting qualified personnel. Law enforcement organizations face growing wage pressure from surrounding jurisdictions and the private sector. Failing to adapt to these market dynamics undermines our ability to maintain workforce stability and operational effectiveness, potentially jeopardizing public safety.”
During his presentation at a budget work session this week, the sheriff told the Board of County Commissioners that Seminole County has “fallen behind.” He said his deputies make the lowest starting salary right now, which is $5,000 lower than most cities within the county and $8,500 less than Sanford.
“Agencies from across the state are also finding themselves in similar situations. I remain incredibly grateful that this Board has worked closely with us over the years to remain competitive, but the market has changed again,” said Sheriff Lemma. “Agencies are now offering significant signing bonuses along with adjusted base salary for experience. The reality that we face right now is deputies are financially incentivized and recruited to change agencies every few years collecting signing bonuses and maintaining their seniority pay.”
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The current starting base annual salary in Seminole County is $58,024, along with a $15,000 incentive bonus with over 4 years of law enforcement experience.
“Pinellas County is offering a $70,000 signing bonus for a three-year commitment, in addition to experience pay,” said Sheriff Lemma. “So you are three- or four-year person, normally you would never have any incentive, but now you do because you’re not going to lose any time and grade, you’re not going to lose any money, you’re going to stay in the same retirement system, and then you can you can get a $70,000 jump. That’s got to end.”
The total proposed budget for Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is $196,615,000, which is a 9% increase over the current fiscal year.
Documents reviewed by News 6 show that the operating expenses are actually decreasing slightly, as capital outlay and contingency costs are staying the same. The biggest driver of the budget increase is personnel services. The bottom line comes down to a $16,185,000 increase, compared to this year’s fiscal budget.
“For the first time in my tenure as sheriff, this request exceeds the annual growth of property tax revenues,” Sheriff Lemma told commissioners. “This increase is personnel-focused, which you know takes over 85% of our overall operating budget.”
The sheriff spent more than two hours speaking to commissioners and answering their questions, where he demonstrated what key factors are driving costs up, including: labor market pressure, recruitment and overtime, state pension contributions, and medical insurance.
“If I could have come in leaner, I would have, I promise you,” said Sheriff Lemma.
Commissioner Lee Constantine said it is an “extremely difficult” year for the budget in Seminole County. Just last week, our News 6 team reported on a proposed property tax rate increase commissioners are considering to maintain the current level of service countywide.
“It’s hard for me to go back to the citizens of Seminole County and say that we have to increase revenues until I have looked at every single budget, every single item,” said Commissioner Constantine. “Everybody, in my opinion, has the shared sacrifice.”
Commissioner Andria Herr asked the sheriff if he expects to come back this year with a revised proposal, similar to what happened last year. In September, he asked for a $4 million adjustment to his proposed budget, and said the job market was evolving at an “unprecedented and frankly astonishing pace.”
“That’s a tough question to answer,” Sheriff Lemma replied. “I did not expect coming back last year. Last year you worked with us, and I was incredibly comfortable with where we were at, and then you see what happens.”
Every commissioner acknowledged the hard work and essential function of the sheriff’s office. The law enforcement, jail, and court costs make up 25% of countywide expenditures, the most of any service area.
“We’re trying to attract and retain and preserve the quality of life that we have here, and we have fallen out of balance,” said Sheriff Lemma.
Sheriff Lemma promised to continue to look at what cost-saving measures can be taken, including utilizing more civilian positions, consolidating what they can, implementing overtime controls, and potentially eliminating a captain position, as budget discussions continue this summer.
“This budget is about preserving what we’ve built,” said Sheriff Lemma. “It’s about ensuring that Seminole County remains a destination for top-tier public safety professionals and that the services expected of Seminole County residents are never compromised. The risks of inaction are clear. Without adequate resources, we run the risk of losing capable, well-trained personnel, and as a result, morale can suffer, overtime costs will skyrocket, and community safety could be jeopardized. I understand the difficult decisions lie ahead, and we’ve had very candid and honest conversations about the options that are on the table right now.”
You can see the countywide FY 2025-2026 budget proposal below: