HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission had a special meeting Tuesday afternoon concerning overtime pay within the Reno County Sheriff’s Department, even though the overall spending by that department is under budget.

As it stands now, the county begins paying overtime after 80 hours. Commissioner Deming sees the overtime as being excessive and wants to phase in an increase over four years, raising it to 84 hours before any overtime would kick in.

Sheriff’s Department officials say the 80-hour figure was negotiated back in the mid-90s along with Hutchinson Police. Sheriff Randy Henderson says he will lose officers if this happens. He is at full staff right now, while the Hutchinson Police Department is down as many as 12 officers.

Commissioner Deming was again critical of the way the sheriff schedules his staff. Deming admitted he can’t do anything about that and probably won’t be able to until Sheriff Henderson leaves office.

Many sheriff’s deputies at the meeting noted that other employees of the county don’t do the job they do.

Sheriff Henderson also noted that overtime pay has actually come down under his budget.

No decision was made. Apparently, the commission will take a look at overtime for other departments as well.