“It looks like the State Compensation Board (which pays

“It looks like the State Compensation Board (which pays almost all law enforcement expenses) would pay for this,” said Supervisor J. R. Latham.

Supervisor Estes reported that Sheriff Woodward has tried that route several times.

“Most counties provide health insurance for employees,” Ms. Bruce noted. “I wouldn’t think the Compensation Board would be willing to pick up that cost when the counties are already doing it.”

“Look at the wages a deputy makes,” Supervisor Gilkey asked his fellow board members. “That’s not much compensation for going out and putting your life on the line every day.” Providing health insurance as a fringe benefit may help retain employees, Mr. Gilkey said. “Personally, I would like to see this funded.”

If health insurance is provided for the sheriffs department, the board must make it available to all county employees, Ms. Bruce noted. “But it’s not necessarily true that everybody will want to be on it,” she said, adding that women are generally covered by their husbands’ policies. She estimated the maximum who would want the benefit at 30 and the county’s cost at $12,000.

No final decision was reached on the health insurance. “Let’s take it under advisement,” said Supervisor Estes.

As to the six portable radios with repeaters requested by Sheriff Woodward, Supervisor Latham suggested postponing a decision there as well.

The radios, a $12,000 expense, will give deputies the capability of communicating with the dispatcher when they are away from their vehicles, according to Sheriff Woodward.

“Let’s sleep on it — maybe strike it after a while,” said Mr. Latham. “I’m not sure it’s a desperate need instead of just a convenience.”

The board will take final action on the budget at a special meeting set for 9 a.m. on June 23. In the interim, they expect to get estimates on construction costs at the leased pound site and a more detailed projection on fee revenue from the building inspector.