The Sheriff of Hays County sent out a public safety alert Tuesday morning, by putting out a help wanted sign.

Sheriff Allen Bridges said he doesn't have enough deputies to patrol the streets. He has the patrol cars, just not the people to put behind the wheel.

Hays County Deputy Shane Smith is among those on the job. He joined the department two years ago and patrols the east side of the county.

“Every day is something new; (you) never go to the same thing twice,” said Smith.

There is one constant -- his pay check. Smith puts his life on the line for about $37,000 a year.

“We are 2 or 3 short on shift,” said Captain Mike Davenport as he held a briefing for Hays County Commissioners.

Hays County Deputies and Constables packed the courthouse Tuesday morning hoping to convince commissioners they are out numbered.

According to Bridges, he can’t fill the ranks because the starting pay is too low.

“I’ve got holes on the streets that don’t have anybody there; I’ve got districts that are not filled, so yes it is going to be a public issue,” said Bridges.

In October, Hays County Commissioners authorized the Sheriff to hire additional staff -- more Sergeants and more road deputies.

The action increased the number to of positions to 48 -- but that only increased the number of vacancies.

There are currently 12 unfilled positions with the department.

The sheriff crunched the numbers, comparing his starting pay to other local agencies.

He found that Austin police rookies were the highest paid at $49, 608.

Hays County Deputies were at the bottom, making $36, 287 -- only deputies in Guadalupe County make less.

Adding to the recruitment problem, Hays County deputies also have to buy their own uniforms and much of their own equipment. It is estimated that could be an out of pocket expense of about $15-hundred.

“We’d like to be up where we are competitive. We are not expecting to be up at the top -- we realize our economy is not Austin, Texas or Travis County, but we still have to compete with those areas,” Bridges.

Bridges wants a new pay scale with his first year deputies making $41,900 and topping out at $54,500.

He said he believes the new pay program will attract the right people, and will provide the proper back up for those now on the job.

Hays County Commissioners will talk about the problem again in 2 weeks.

AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT STARTING PAY

• Guadalupe Co. = $33, 828
• Hays Co. = $36, 287
• Comal Co. = $36, 732
• Kyle PD = $37, 300
• DPS = $38, 199
• Texas State Univ. PD = $39, 700
• Williamson Co. = $40, 560
• San Marcos PD = $41, 912
• New Braunfels PD = $42,900
• Travis Co. = $45, 485
• APD = $49, 608