CLAY COUNTY – On Tuesday, the Clay County Council agreed to a pay matrix for Clay County Deputies.

Sheriff Paul Harden explained that in recent years he has been able to hire experienced deputies from other agencies. However, they lost vacation time they accumulated during their previous law enforcement experience. The matrix will add $500 to their pay for the first three years.

The Sheriff said he is working with county commissioners on changes to the employee handbook so the experienced deputies coming to Clay County Sheriff’s Department will not lose vacation time.

The matrix benefits the county because experienced deputies do not have to go to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy for 16 weeks like inexperienced recruits. That saves the county money.

Also, the Clay County Council and the Clay County Commissioners approved application for a $33,000 grant from the County for a Drug Free Community program. This is an annual grant Clay County has received for decades, said Clay County Auditor Jennifer Flater.