Shelby County officials took a significant step towards achieving pay equity for correctional staff during the committee meeting on April 30, 2025. The committee approved an ordinance aimed at establishing pay parity between the Shelby County Division of Corrections (SCDC) correctional officers and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) corrections deputies. This ordinance, sponsored by Commissioner Erica Sugarman, had previously been deferred during the March 5, 2025, meeting.

Commissioner Ford emphasized the urgency of the decision, stating, "This should have been done a long time ago." He highlighted the challenges faced by correctional officers, noting that their roles are often overlooked and undervalued. The ordinance aims to align the compensation scale for SCDC correctional officers with that of their counterparts in the SCSO, ensuring that both groups receive equitable pay for their work.

The committee discussed the specifics of the ordinance, including a key amendment that adjusts the implementation timeline. Instead of taking effect immediately, the ordinance will now be enacted 15 days after its passage, allowing for a smoother transition.

This decision marks a crucial move towards recognizing the contributions of correctional staff in Shelby County, addressing long-standing disparities in compensation. As the ordinance moves forward, it is expected to have a positive impact on employee morale and retention within the correctional system.