Granite County employees will see a 3% salary increase for the upcoming fiscal year, following a decision made during the Board of County Commissioners meeting on June 17, 2025. This increase, however, will not apply to elected officials and their deputies, who will instead receive a base salary increase of $5,000, translating to a 9% raise.

The commissioners clarified that the salary adjustments for deputies are tied to the elected officials' compensation, which means they will not receive the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) this year. This decision was made to ensure clarity in the budget and to avoid any confusion regarding employee compensation structures.

During the meeting, the commissioners emphasized the importance of precise language in their resolutions to prevent misunderstandings about salary increases. The motion to approve the 3% increase for non-elected employees was passed unanimously, with discussions highlighting the need for transparency in how these raises are communicated.

In addition to salary discussions, the meeting also addressed the retirement of Sheriff Dungerson, who will step down at the end of June. The board accepted his resignation and appointed Under Sheriff Rico Barkell as the new sheriff, effective July 1. This transition is expected to be seamless, as Barkell has been trained for the role and is well-prepared to take over the responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep the community informed about these changes and their implications for county operations. The board's decisions reflect a focus on maintaining fair compensation for employees while ensuring that the leadership transition in the sheriff's office is handled smoothly.