Kitchings seeks 17% raises for deputies, CCSO employees

Agency at critical staffing, lagging pay behind state.

Sheriff Wallace Kitchings told the Columbia County Commission that his agency is at critical staffing levels and a significant raise for his employees is needed. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)
Sheriff Wallace Kitchings told the Columbia County Commission that his agency is at critical staffing levels and a significant raise for his employees is needed. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

The first “bite” in trying to address critical staffing issues and low pay at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is proposed to be a big one.

During the Columbia County Commission budget workshop Thu…