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Ross County Adding More Road Patrol, Boosting Pay

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CHILLICOTHE – Ross County Sheriff George Lavender is hoping to add four more road patrol deputies in 2017 and boost pay for his command staff.

The Chillicothe Gazette reports that Sheriff Lavender met with county commissioners Monday to go over his $9.3 million budget, a 6 percent increase from the current budget. The bulk of that increase, if approved, will be used to hire four more deputies at an estimated entry-level rate of $14.30 an hour.

Commissioners Jim Caldwell and Steve Neal both expressed support; Commissioner Doug Corcoran was absent.

While supportive of expanding the road patrol, both men cautioned Lavender about starting the year with a 5 percent increase for his command staff before a new contract is negotiated with the union. Lavender said negotiations are expected to begin this spring.