TIFTON — Pay increases for entry-level deputies, investigators and detention officers at the Tift County Sheriff’s Office were approved by the Tift County Board of Commissioners Monday night.

The increase bumps up entry-level starting pay for deputies, investigators and detention officers.

Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough and TCSO Colonel Larry Taylor talked to commissioners about the proposed increase.

The increase moves the current $13.47 hourly pay for entry-level detention officers to $14.91 an hour.

Entry-level deputies would move from $14.87 an hour to $16.41.

Entry-level investigators will start out at $17.29 an hour.

The increase will go into effect in January.

That would make Tift County the “12th highest paid sheriff’s office as far as entry level in the state of Georgia,” according to county manager Jim Carter.

“I’m confident it’ll attract applicants and it will also attract people that are already certified,” said Taylor. “That way that’ll reduce our time training them and getting ready to work.”

“I don’t look at it as an expenditure,” said commissioner Stan Stalnaker. “I look at it as an investment in the safety of this community.”

The increase wouldn’t affect higher level administrative positions at the TCSO, such as Taylor and Scarbrough.

Commissioner Donnie Hester asked if an increase across the board was possible.

“Our critical point right now is entry level people…We’ve had people come in and work two weeks [and leave],” said Scarborough.

“We can never put a price on the safety of our community,” said commissioner Melissa Hughes. “I wish we could also do more, but we thank you for your service.”

The pay increase vote was not originally on the agenda. Commissioners voted to add it to the agenda at the beginning of the meeting.

The board approved upgrading the dispatch software for the E911 system.

The upgrade will allow emergency responders to have an interactive map display in their vehicles, guiding them when responding to a call.

The board approved a memorandum of understanding with City of Tifton for use of the city’s Fire Training Center for $500 a month.

In November meetings, the board discussed paying $1,000 a month, a cost that the commissioners ultimately thought was too much.

Commissioners approved rezoning 4.6 acres on GA Highway 125, north of 40th Street across from the Quailwood Animal Hospital.

The proposed request is to construct a 7,500 square foot Astro Exterminating office, warehouse and storage space.

The rezoning changes the property from AG (Agricultural) to G-B (General Business).

The board approved plans to refund street light fees to residents of Taylor Ridge subdivision.

An error in billing was discovered internally, according to county attorney Tony Rowell.

Residents of part of the Taylor Ridge subdivision were billed double for lighting while other residents of the subdivision weren’t billed at all, according to county attorney Anthony Rowell, speaking at the Dec. 5 workshop meeting.

In a 4-2 vote, commissioners approved paying county manager Jim Carter for 80 hours of unused vacation time.

Asked for the monetary value of the time, Carter estimated it to be “around $4,000.”

“I think this is a holdover from the previous contract with the previous manager,” said Carter. “I’d rather do something different…I’d like in the future to come with something where this isn’t even an item.”

Commissioners Melissa Hughes and Buck Ridgon voted against the request.

The board also approved:

• A lease agreement with Alapaha River Coon Club for property at 3390 and 3392 Chula Brookfield Road.

• a mailing service agreement with South Data.

• the appointment of a county legislative coordinator for Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG).

• An alcohol license application for retail beer and wine by Rikki Hitt for 367 Highway 125.

• An alcohol license application for retail wine by Pankaj Patel for 184 Willis Road.

• Alcohol license renewal applications for 2018.

• The reappointment of county clerk Miriam Jordan and county attorney Anthony Rowell.