Turning now to Bedford County, commissioners walking out of their own meeting Today
It happened when the County Sheriff was addressing staffing issues, during the public comment period and went over the allotted time.
“Since November ‘23 my office has received 148 applications, and when the applicants find out the meager pay of $950 every two weeks or $22,800 take home for the year, for the great risk they must take to perform the job and
not having the physical standards to make it through the academy, they turn down the position.”
Commissioners addressed media members and those in attendance at Today’s meeting saying they will address the issues mentioned by Sheriff Emerick when the union contract is up for re-negotiation which isn’t until the end of 2025
Sheriff Wayne Emerick was addressing staffing and pay concerns in his department.
Emerick’s comments went over the allotted 3 minutes and commissioners attempted to cut him off
But when he kept talking, they walked out of the room.
Emerick says they are down to just two full time deputies and says many applicants turn down job offers when they realize the salary that comes with it.
The current pay for a deputy in Bedford County is $16 an hour,
Emerick says all they are asking for is a livable wage