County lawmakers approve $20,000 a year raise for Oneida County Sheriff

Tools

County lawmakers approve $20,000 a year raise for Oneida County Sheriff

By PAT BAILEY

Story Created: Mar 27, 2008 at 11:03 AM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 27, 2008 at 11:38 AM EDT

UTICA - Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says he will take into consideration the possibility of vetoing a decision to give the County Sheriff a big raise.

In a 24 to 3 vote Wednesday night, county lawmakers have given the green light to up Sheriff Dan Middaugh's annual salary by $20,000.

Right now he earns $67,000 per year.

One lawmaker says after doing the math, he figured out the sheriff was the 67th highest paid person in the county. In fact, several of the people working under Middaugh make more than he does now.

"I just didn't believe for sometime now that the salary was commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the office," Middaugh said. "Again, its not personal, its not about Dan Middaugh its about the Office of Sheriff."

"I know my constituents find it unacceptable," said Larry Tanoury Jr. "I have talked with some and they wont accept it. And frankly, I got elected to do a job and represent them, and their needs and concerns. And that's what I plan on coming here and doing...and not representing elected officials."

Tanoury says if Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente doesn't veto the raise, he'll go door to door to try and get the public to decide.

Wednesday, Apr 16 at 5:35 PM Steve wrote ...

A person running a private sector company with an equivilent number of employees would merit a salary in the 67000-80000 range. Perhaps it would be better to bring the salary up in steps. The real issue in the Sheriffs department is the road officers. I certainly wouldn't want to perform their dangerous duties everyday for the small salary they make

Flag for moderation

Monday, Mar 31 at 4:15 PM Joe wrote ...

We have elections I think every 2 or 4 years, it should be there [pay increase for the winner of this office a10% or 20% increase ] Yes or No if its Yes he or she get it if No don't get it its the tax payer that putting the money for this people.

Flag for moderation

Friday, Mar 28 at 2:30 PM for Sarah - wrote ...

its not a $20,000 a year raise - its a raise after none for 15 years (not that I agree or disagree with it) - also, remember one word -Union- that's how most in the Sheriff's dept get their raises -

Flag for moderation

Friday, Mar 28 at 2:22 AM Michael- (Dolgeville) wrote ...

This is ridiculous! Considering that most of us only get a raise well under $0.50 cents a year! That is just stealing from the taxpayers of Oneida County to give this guy a $20,000 raise. State police who carry greater authority than the Sheriff make 80K a year AFTER being with the agency for 5 years! I agree that the deputies are the ones that should get the raise, not the head honcho. After all they are the ones doing most of the work. The people of Oneida County need to say NO to this raise!!

Flag for moderation

Friday, Mar 28 at 1:27 AM Sam DeMario wrote ...

You should be ashamed of yourselves.....Raises only for the priviledged few??? Quit playing with his life and give him what is deserved.

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 9:38 PM Dan in NH wrote ...

Mr. Middaugh knew what the pay was when he ran for office. If he truly is interested in increasing the pay to "elevate" the sheriff position to a point of equity with similar posts elsewhere, then he should be willing for the raise to take effect after he leaves office.

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:16 PM Don wrote ...

I agree that the Sheriff should receive this raise. I am employed by the State of New York and we don't get anywhere near this type of raise but I do think that he definitely deserves the extra $20,000 per year. Sheriff Middagh is well worth the pay raise. I hope he gets it.

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:42 PM Fred wrote ...

The Public service mindset has got to change. Public sevants should not keep expecting the tax payers to foot the bill. Get a job in the private sector and prove your worth. Stop leeching off the system. It's BROKEN!

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 5:24 PM Jim wrote ...

I just seen that the county executive vetoed this rediculas raise..All I can say is HAIL TO THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE!!!Its about time someone around here had the nerve to stand up to this type of politics around here. If the Sherriff says he's under paid in comparison to other departments, then he can pack his bags and move!! Good job to both Mr. Picente and Mr. Tanoury for having the guts to stand up for us the people(for a change)

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 5:15 PM what a joke wrote ...

as an elected position, one needs no law enforcement experience at all. HC Sheriff Chris Farber is a mechanic, he owned a garage. How about rewarding the deputies who actually work, and have been working without a contract? Lets not forget that Mad Dog got into a car accident while campaigning using an official vehicle. Big no no, but we'll just give him a raise.

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 4:17 PM county employee wrote ...

I wish I could recieve that kind of raise. Guess wrong part of county.

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 4:01 PM MARK wrote ...

sorry i missed spelled. the word i wanted was voted. not veto

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 3:05 PM A local interested party wrote ...

Since this is an elected office what are the requirements one must have before tossing one's hat in the ring...or can any one who gets the necessary number of signatures to get on the ballot give it a try?? What type of education is required?? Also where can one find a list of the "duties and requirements" of the office? And finally, Is the value of the use of the Sheriff's car added to the salary? Please note this is not personal either, it's about the office....and the taxpayer!

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 2:47 PM Sarah wrote ...

I can't believe in these times that you can approve a $20,000 a year increase for one individual. If we elected him, we should have the right to vote if he gets a raise or not. Isn't this a democracy? Wouldn't it be nice if we could all get that kind of raise a year? If the people in his dept get more salary, then that should be addressed.

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 1:54 PM mark wrote ...

STOP THIS RAISE!!!!!!!!!!! I AM NOT AGAINST GIVING A RAISE BUT 20,000.00 DOLLARS RAISE. I MAKE 25,000.00 A YEAR AND WITH NO HEALTH INSURANCE OR PENSION. SO I WOULD BE HAPPY MAKING WHAT HE MAKE. PLUS HE KNEW HOW MUCH THE JOB PAYED WHEN HE RAN FOR OFFIC. AS FAR AS THE 24 LAWMAKER THAT VETO FOR THIS. COME DOWN TO REAL WORLD AND ASK AROUND YOUR AREA IF PEOPLE APROVE OF THIS. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE ELECTION IF THIS GOES THOUGH..

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:57 PM Jason wrote ...

What exactly does a Sheriff do to warrant a yearly salary of $87K, nevermind the ridiculous amount he gets paid now. Why don't we give every county worker huge raises so we can pay more as taxpayers?

Flag for moderation

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:17 PM Sheri wrote ...

As an educational staff member in a local school district, where a 4% pay raise is considered outstanding, I am appalled that Mr. Middaugh would find it necessary to be given a 33% increase in pay! How about a 4% increase like those of us who are fortunate enough to get a pay increase at all?

Flag for moderation

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

NBC-WKTV News Channel 2 and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Weather On Demand

Weather Radar
Icon
Current Temp 64 °F
Fair
Wind : From the Southeast at 6 MPH
Humidity : 41 %
Pressure : 29.70" (1005.7 mb) in.
Wind Chill : NA °F
More Weather

On Demand

AP Video

Stock Quotes

Permanent Client link holder
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

The Italian Chef

The King of Wings - Pizza at its best!

What's On

8.00
most outrageous tv moments
8.30
most outrageous tv moments
9.00
dateline nbc