The Butler County salary board Wednesday dropped the Dec. 31 deadline to eliminate three full-time sheriff's deputy jobs.

County Commissioner Dale Pinkerton made the motion, saying the jobs will be cut through attrition.

Pinkerton said laying off employees at the end of the year would only increase the county's unemployment costs.

He said another factor in his decision was saving people's jobs. With some deputies eligible for retirement in 2010, Pinkerton said the total number of posts will drop.

"I just think it's the right thing to do," he said.

Commissioner Jim Lokhaiser agreed, saying any laid off deputies would have to be rehired when others retire.

"Some say, penny wise and pound foolish," he said about cutting the jobs this year. "Now turn around and hire them back. It doesn't make sense."

Along with the three commissioners, the county controller and respective row officer for the affected office make up the salary board.

Controller Jack McMillin sided with Pinkerton, Lokhaiser and Sheriff Dennis Rickard in the 4-1 vote.

However, McMillin stressed his vote was related strictly to people's jobs and county expenses.

"My vote is in no way to be construed as a belief those positions are needed," he said.

Commissioner James Kennedy opposed the move, saying such decisions should not be based on individuals.

"It's about the positions," he said. "It's not about people. It's $150,000 to keep these three just to the next year."

Staffing in the sheriff's office has been an issue among county officials since April, when the salary board voted 3 to 2 to cut seven full-time deputy posts.

Two of those jobs were eliminated July 1 with another five set to go Aug. 31. Lokhaiser and Rickard dissented in the April vote.

The salary board in August reconsidered the April decision, delaying the elimination of three jobs until Dec. 31. Kennedy dissented in that vote as well.

Pinkerton said the three cuts will not be staved off indefinitely because he has yet to be convinced the jobs are needed.

He said Sheriff-elect Mike Slupe will have the opportunity to present a case for restoring jobs.

There are 17 full-time deputies and 18 part-timers.

Slupe, who did not attend the meeting, may take Pinkerton up on his offer.

"I appreciate the actions of the salary board today," he said Wednesday. "Once we're in office, we will analyze our staffing needs."

Rickard said Wednesday the deputies' tasks will keep expanding as the county continues growing. "I do see an increasing workload," he said.