Derrick Shaw
•9/16/2026
Sheriff Carmine Marceno announced that all full-time certified and civilian employees of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will receive a 5% pay raise starting Oct. 1, 2026, after the Board of County Commissioners approved the FY 2026-27 budget. The total proposed county budget is $3.273 billion, with the sheriff's office representing 11% of the total. Starting salaries for certified deputies will increase from $68,000 to $71,400 annually, and civilian personnel will see their starting pay rise from $42,000 to $44,100 per year. Starting certified supervisory positions will also see adjustments, with sergeants earning $94,400, lieutenants $110,400, and captains $126,400 annually. The Corrections Bureau will also receive 10 additional certified positions to address the agency's growing needs, according to the sheriff. Marceno emphasized the importance of the agency's personnel, stating, “I have always said that our greatest asset is not our buildings, our vehicles, or our technology; it is you! Every day, you answer the call when others need help. You run toward danger when others run away. You work holidays, nights, weekends, and long hours away from your families. Our civilian professionals work behind the scenes and alongside our deputies and staff to keep this organization moving forward and serving this community at the highest level.” The sheriff did not disclose how much of the proposed $$359,657,210 budget was approved, or whether cuts were made elsewhere. The proposal represents a 5.15% increase from FY 2025-26. Gulf Coast News Chief Political Reporter Dave Elias has an exclusive interview scheduled with Marceno to address questions about the budget. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
