HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commissioners took time to discuss some preliminary matters regarding the budget during a study session Thursday afternoon.

County Administrator Gary Meagher says the meeting allowed commissioners to ask various department heads questions about additions to funding or personnel they may have for next year. Some of the matters discussed included capital purchases for the Sheriff’s Department and personnel requests from District Attorney Keith Schroeder.

Schroeder wants to hire two additional attorneys to help cover what he calls an ever-increasing number of cases. Two commissioners said they might be in favor of hiring one additional attorney, but two would be unlikely. The board also met with Aging and Public Transportation and IT during the meeting. One thing that was not discussed was the amount of overtime costs generated by the sheriff’s department. It is an issue that caused much discussion in the past.

Meagher says that matter will be discussed further during another meeting set for May 22.