News Summary
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has officially approved a substantial 15% pay raise for Sheriff Don Barnes, increasing his annual salary to $354,000. This raise recognizes the crucial responsibilities Barnes has as he oversees nearly 4,000 employees and provides essential policing services across 13 cities in the county. The salary adjustment also addresses wage compaction concerns within the department, ensuring a clear pay distinction among ranks. This decision is part of a broader trend of acknowledging the hard work of county officials.
Exciting News for Orange County: Sheriff Don Barnes Gets a Big Pay Raise!
In a move that’s sure to spark some chatter around town, the Orange County Board of Supervisors has approved a whopping 15% pay raise for Sheriff Don Barnes! This decision came through on Tuesday, August 12, and will officially kick in on August 22, 2025. With the raise, Barnes’s annual salary will jump all the way to $354,000. That’s quite a bump from his base salary last year, which was $306,206!
Why the Raise?
So, what prompted this increase? There have been some salary adjustments for other county executives and supervisors earlier this summer, indicating a trend of recognizing the hard work and dedication of officials within the county. After all, Barnes is not just sitting behind a desk; he oversees a massive department with nearly 4,000 employees and plays a crucial role in providing policing services across 13 cities in Orange County. He’s also at the helm of operating jail facilities!
A Closer Look at the Salary Structure
Doug Chaffee, the Chair of the OC Board of Supervisors, emphasized that the raise for Barnes is well-deserved. On top of overseeing law enforcement, Barnes is in charge of the coroner’s office and the OC Crime Lab. That’s a lot of responsibility on one person’s shoulders!
Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley pointed out that this pay increase also addresses a wage compaction issue. With this adjustment, Barnes’s salary will now be at least 7.5% higher than that of his immediate subordinates, ensuring there’s a clear distinction in pay within the ranks. In fact, in 2024, Barnes was among the top earners, coming in 11th among all employees in the Sheriff’s Department.
The Undersheriff’s Salary
Speaking of pay, Undersheriff Jeff Hallock’s base salary was reported to be $4,000 less than Barnes’s. However, with his additional pay, Hallock ranked as the highest-paid employee in the department. Talk about salary dynamics within the force!
What About Other Officers?
The average salary for employees within the Sheriff’s Department sits at around $128,628, factoring in overtime pay. Interestingly, some deputies have been reported to earn over $300,000 due to extensive overtime hours. This puts into perspective just how demanding and challenging the roles can be for law enforcement personnel.
Election and Career Journey
It’s worth mentioning that the position of sheriff is an elected role, but the OC Board of Supervisors has the final say in setting the pay scale. Barnes was last elected in 2022 and ran unopposed, securing his second term without breaking a sweat!
Barnes’s journey with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is quite remarkable. He kicked off his career as a deputy back in 1989, and look at him now—leading the charge in one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the state! It’s a testament to his dedication and service to the community.
What Comes Next?
As we all watch how the new pay raise might impact the dynamics of the Sheriff’s Department and the overall community, it’s clear that strong leadership comes with its own rewards. The raise for Sheriff Don Barnes not only reflects the important work he does but also sets a standard for compensation among his peers. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming years!
For now, the Orange County community can thank its sheriff for his committed service while keeping an eye on how these changes might shape the future of law enforcement in the area.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Sheriff Don Barnes Gets a Big Pay Raise
- Click Orlando: Central Florida Sheriff’s Salaries
- OC Register: New County Budget and Pay Raises
- WFTV: Orange County Deputies Request Raises
- My News 13: Oviedo City Commission Approves Pay Raise
- Wikipedia: Orange County, California
- Google Search: Sheriff pay raises
- Google Scholar: Sheriff salary compensation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sheriff
- Google News: Orange County Sheriff
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
