A thin budget and tough economic circumstances make adjustments “inappropriate,” he said.
THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders announced on social media that he will forgo a pay raise for the second year in a row, citing an ongoing countywide budget deficit and challenging economic conditions for county residents.
“As the cost of living continues to rise, my employees, neighbors, and fellow community members are struggling to pay their energy bills. Receiving a pay increase as the executive of the Sheriff’s office would be highly inappropriate at this time,” Sanders wrote.
Per public payroll information, Sanders received a salary of $182,761 in 2025. If the state commission agrees to freeze his pay in 2026, he will not receive an adjustment for inflation or performance but will continue to receive his existing salary.
Thurston County faced a $20 million deficit in 2025, which resulted in around $9.8 million in cuts, including about $2.5 million to the sheriff’s office.
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