Apr 27, 2006 By Amy Zalar 3 min read

The Fayette County Salary Board rejected a request by Fayette County Sheriff Gary Brownfield to create an additional deputy sheriff position Wednesday, citing funding concerns. Brownfield was seeking to hire a deputy sheriff instead of replacing a clerk position for the remainder of the year, but is facing a shortfall of approximately $2,400. Brownfield said his deputies are traveling thousands of miles to transport prisoners to and from SCI-Fayette, and extra help is needed.

Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites cited a legal opinion preventing the move. He said if the money is not appropriated before the position is created, the position couldn’t be created.

Controller Mark Roberts essentially agreed with Vicites’ assessment, saying the position could be created, but it can’t be funded unless money is appropriated, a distinction Vicites called splitting hairs.

Vicites told Brownfield that if the money can be found in the sheriff’s department budget, he would approve the move. “I do want to help you, we just need to do it right,” he said.

Commission Chairwoman Angela M. Zimmerlink said steps are being taken in an attempt to reduce transportation costs. She said videoconferencing ability is progressing at SCI-Fayette, which will have a positive effect on the transportation budget.

She acknowledged that Brownfield has been seeking help for six years, but asked him to be patient a little longer. “Maybe we can revisit this,” Zimmerlink said.

Although Vicites suggested that money for the position could come from the general fund, Zimmerlink said any additional money in the general fund is being used up quickly.

Zimmerlink also pointed out that she was against a recommendation by county personnel manager Jim Moore that called for approving the creation of the position and then voting on it at the meeting.

Zimmerlink said it is important to discuss potential decisions at the meeting, and not beforehand. Moore said he had discussed Brownfield’s proposal with Vicites and Roberts, who were against it. Vicites clarified Moore’s statements by saying that he saw Moore’s memo and wrote on it why he felt the action could not be taken.

Commissioner Joseph A. Hardy III did not offer any comment.

In the only action taken, the salary board unanimously approved hiring a temporary accounts payable clerk for the controller’s office at a rate of $9.20 per hour for three months, or until the full-time person on medical leave returns to work. Voting for the action were Roberts, Zimmerlink, Vicites and Hardy.

Pam Baird, a former controller’s office employee, will fill the temporary position. Funds are available.