Manatee County Commissioners to discuss sheriff's budget

Manatee County commissioners today will meet with Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube to discuss staffing challenges the sheriff's office is facing as a result of a pay freeze.

Steube last week petitioned commissioners for more funding so he can pay his deputies more. Manatee County, he said, now has the lowest starting salary for deputies of 15 area law enforcement agencies, which is making it difficult for him to retain deputies.

One option being considered for funding is a public referendum.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].