GREENVILLE, S.C (WSPA) - Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis is asking for a $12,000 salary increase for his deputies, citing recruitment and retention challenges. During a recent county leaders’ meeting, officials indicated that the raise is unlikely to make it into next year’s budget.

Lewis said his department faces significant challenges competing with other agencies across South Carolina.

“We called the agency and said 'what’s your starting pay?'” he said.

According to Lewis, a review of more than 30 police departments and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s (SLED) website showed Greenville County ranks 31 in the state with a starting salary of $51,438. He said Myrtle Beach Police Department tops that list with a starting salary of $62,088.

Lewis requested the $12,000

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