The Butler County salary board this morning 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 eventually 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 controller and respective row officer for the affected office comprise the salary board.

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

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."