Following a lengthy discussion on how to pay for the extramanpower, Lincoln County supervisors Tuesday approved the additionof two new jail employees for Sheriff Lynn Boyte.

In a 3-2 vote, supervisors decided to pay for one employee fromthe county general fund and the other from the sheriff’s drug fund.The total cost of the new employees is about $40,000.

A tight budget picture was the main concern for supervisors indiscussing the situation.

“I know we’re short on money,” said District 1 Supervisor CliffGivens, “but at the same time, I feel like there’s no question heneeds them or he wouldn’t be asking for them.”

District 3 Supervisor Nolan Earl Williamson, who voted againstthe measure with District 5 Supervisor Gary Walker, agreed withGivens. However, he expressed concerns about spending when someother areas, such as roads, were also in need.

“It’s hard to keep spending money on criminals down there whenthe average Joe out there needs so much,” Williamson said. “There’sgot to be a line somewhere.”

Boyte said the two new employees would bring the total to 15. Hetold supervisors that two jailers had been out without extendedillnesses.

“Even with them all there, we’re still short,” Boyte said inlobbying for the additional help.

Boyte asked for the extra help following an inmate’s attemptedsuicide last week while jailers were dealing with court matters.The attempt was stopped when an employee spotted the inmate on amonitor.

“I saw a danger, and I just wanted to share it with you,” Boytetold supervisors.

District 4 Supervisor W.D. “Doug” Moak suggested possibly apart-time situation. Boyte, though, said he needed full-timehelp.

“If we could get two more, it would take a lot of theliability,” the sheriff said.

Before approving the additional help, supervisors discussedseveral funding sources.

An expected $13,000 savings due to a change in the jail foodservices contract was one area mentioned. Supervisors also lookedat the sheriff’s approximately $90,000 fund from drug arrestforfeitures.

Boyte said it had taken several years to accumulate that amountand there were no guarantees about drug monies in the future. Also,he said, three new patrol cars had to be bought from the fund thisyear after being removed at budget time last summer.

On a motion from District 2 Supervisor Bobby Watts, the boardapproved the new employees. The motion called for expenses for bothnew jail employees to come from the general fund next year.

In other matters Tuesday, supervisors approved an interlocalagreement for oversight and operation of the Multi-Use Facility.The agreement now must be approved by the city board ofaldermen.

Several personnel matters also got supervisors’ attentionTuesday.

Board members accepted the resignation of 911 CoordinatorMichael Gines, who had been on the job less than a month. Ginescited personal reasons in his letter of resignation.

“It just didn’t work out,” said County Administrator TillmonBishop, adding that he is looking to address the 911 situation assoon as possible.

Moak said he would like supervisors to set up a time to reviewthe county’s personnel policy manual. The supervisor mentioned aneed to look at vacation carryover time and some other issues.

“I think it’s time for that,” Watts said in agreeing withMoak.

Supervisors went into executive session with Justice Court JudgeB.J. Price to discuss a court employee evaluation and possibledisciplinary action. Supervisors took no action upon returning fromthe closed meeting.