Salaries of law enforcement workers were a hot topic of conversation at a Pickens County council meeting this week.
The pay dispute for deputies has stalled local budget talks. Now, county leaders must decide if they will alter the sheriff’s department budget before a final vote on June 15.
During Monday’s council meeting, Sheriff Tommy Blankenship cited difficulties in requirement and retainment of law enforcement due to low pay. Blankenship says employees can earn more doing the same job for local municipalities with lighter workloads.
"It’s hard to ask them to continue to do that when they could do that same job in this county at a municipality with a less workload for more money,” Blankenship said.
The meeting heard nearly an hour of public forum, as the council waived the standard 10-person limit. Most participants spoke in support of higher pay for law enforcement.
"Deputies put themselves at risk everyday to ensure safety and are glad to do so," said one resident. "They accept any consequences this may entail, including risking their lives and never returning to their families."
Council member Alex Saitta noted that the sheriff’s department operates with a $21.3 million budget.
A vote on the budget could happen June 15.
