(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Sheriff Jayme Reed met with the Pawnee City Council last week. 

Council member John Dahlgren asked the Sheriff why Pawnee County has such a difficult time retaining deputies. Reed responded that Pawnee County is a good “starting point” for young deputies. They can obtain skills and get experience, but she said with no place to advance and Pawnee County ranking low on the pay scale, the deputies move on.

Later during Council discussion about the Law Enforcement Committee recommendation on proposed changes to the law enforcement contract, Dahlgren suggested the City should increase the amount paid on the contract by 4-5% or more to make sure deputies are receiving a pay increase.

Other Council members noted the city money is not necessarily used for wages, but might go toward equipment purchases or a patrol unit, and the City has nosay in how that money is spent.

After a lengthy discussion, the Council approved a recommendation by the Committee to increase the current law enforcement contract agreement by 1.5%.