(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved pay raises for sheriff's department employees for the remainder of this year.

The Commission on Tuesday approved a proposal submitted by Sheriff John Merchant for funding the raises on a 2-1 vote.  Commissioner Lamar Shoemaker cast the lone dissenting vote, saying he needed more time to review the proposal.  

The raises will be funded by utilizing the remainder of the bond and interest funds from the jail sales tax of nearly $52,000 and Sheriff's Department capital improvement funds of $30,000.

The raises are effective July 11.

Merchant said the raises are needed to retain employees.

The action comes as the Commission continues to discuss how to fund pay raises for 2022.