GREENVILLE, S.C. —

Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis is requesting a $12,000 pay raise for deputies starting next year to address vacancies and retention issues.

"It seems that everybody sits back in their chair when we make this request, like they're so shocked," Lewis said. "We've been beating this drum for five years."

The sheriff said the agency's $51,438 starting salary ranks 31st in the state compared to other city and county departments. Lewis wants to elevate the starting salary to be among the top four in the state.

"We're not just asking for an increase to put them on the spot and just be doing it. We're just trying to get on a level playing field," Lewis said.

County Council Chair Benton Blount has invited the sheriff's office to a meeting to discuss the request.

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