Steady county revenue leads to deputy rehirings

The sheriff said he was pleased, but added he could use more deputies.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

LISBON — Two deputies will be hired for the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office because county revenue is steady.

The commissioners also voted to try to refinance jail construction to save more than $600,000.

Jim Hoppel, chairman of the commissioners, said Wednesday that the collection of the county’s 1 percent sales tax was “holding its own.”

Sheriff David Smith had asked the commissioners earlier this year for more funds to fill three positions cut several years ago when the county was low on funds.

Hoppel said that the commissioners this year feared that people would cut spending because of high fuel prices.

The tax normally brings in about $8 million a year. With 67 percent of the year gone, sales tax receipts are at a normal level, Hoppel said.

The commissioners authorized another $23,000 for the sheriff’s office to fill two of the three vacant positions through 2007.

Whether the third position is filled depends on future receipts of the sales tax. The county has added a 0.5 percent sales tax that won’t be collected fully until 2008.

Deputy positions

Smith said the positions have been vacant for so long that the former deputies don’t have to be recalled. He plans to have the positions filled by Sept. 1.

“I appreciate the commissioners’ effort to try to help the sheriff’s office. I appreciate any offers that are made. I’m not ungrateful, believe me,” Smith said.

Another deputy’s slot that will become vacant because of retirement will also be filled.

The department has 17 deputies, including detectives.

The department had 25 deputies 25 years ago. Smith said the number of prisoners, legal papers served and miles traveled have all increased and will continue to increase.

The commissioners voted to refinance jail construction bonds to get a lower interest rate. They estimate they can save more than $600,000 over several years. The savings would not go to the sheriff’s office, but would help the county government generally.

The commissioners said they have several months to complete the process.