(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a resolution to authorize an additional sheriff's deputy when they met Tuesday.

The change will allow eight deputies plus a chief deputy sheriff. Including the Sheriff that would allow for a 10 person department, not including dispatchers, jailers and office personnel.

In other action, Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported that grant funding is expected to be awarded to the Sheriff's Department from the USDA for the purchase of two patrol units. 

The Sheriff and Chief Deputy Roland Merwin also reviewed with the Board the anticipation of acquiring a K-9, drug dog and with that, the improvements and equipment that will be needed for a patrol unit.  

Also discussed was a proposal of more than $1.2-million for a radio system received from Motorola Solutions, INC. which would include a tower, shelter and IP Consoles and base stations.