(KLZA)--Efforts to persuade Richardson County Commissioners to increase the wage and benefit package for deputy sheriff's in Richardson County continued during the April 30th meeting of the Commissioners.

Jail Administrator Jon Kirkdenall presented a letter to Commissioners submitted by Deputy Lyle McMann.

In the letter, McMann expressed concern with the current deputy salary and benefit package and made comparisons with other county officers and or employees.

Former Johnson County Deputy Sheriff Rick Hardesty met with the board and said he is  unable to accept a deputy sheriff position in Richardson County offered by Sheriff Don Pounds because the salary and benefits package was not comparable to the surrounding counties and due to the lack of any percentage of th family insurance premiums being provided.

Mike Reynolds who has resigned as a Richardson County Deputy reviewed his reasons for leaving, expressing the salary and benefits package is not comparable to other jurisdictions in the area.

On Tuesday, May 7, Deputies Jon Kirkendall and Jeff Frederick are scheduled to present Commissioners a proposed package for salary and benefits for Sheriff's Department Deputies.  

Commissioners have expressed in the past, they cannot make changes until the start of the next Fiscal Year in September.