| Calhoun Sheriff Carl Ballengee said the sheriff's department is seeking new applicants for deputies, following the upgrade of pay for the positions by the Calhoun Commission.
The commission has budgeted funds for the department to hire at least two deputies at a competitive wage with regional counties, about $23,000 annually, plus health insurance and other benefits.
Historically, deputies have been paid below poverty levels.
The commission is funding the positions in hopes that applicants who are already trained law officers or others who are interested in a career will apply.
At issue is the ability to retain officers who are trained, and build a more effective county law enforcement agency.
Ballengee said the department now has one deputy who is expected to go to State Police Academy for training, and another deputy will be hired after July 1.
Ballengee is also looking at hiring a part-time certified officer.
A legal ad has been posted saying the Calhoun County Deputy Sheriff's Civil Service Commission is accepting applications of people interested in taking the competitive eligibility examination.
Applicants must apply with the Calhoun Clerk by May 8th at 3 p.m.
The test has been scheduled for May 22nd at 10 a.m. in the courthouse at Grantsville.
A part-time certified police officer position has also been advertised at $8 an hour, with resumes to be submitted to the sheriff's office by May 1st at 3 p.m.
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