Sheriff Jim Hammond said Wednesday he is requesting a $60.6 million budget - up $5 million over last year.
He said $4.6 million of the amount would be used to bolster officer and jailer salaries.
Sheriff Hammond said those salaries were no longer competitive and it was difficult to keep positions filled. He said at the current time the jail is short 17 and patrol down 14.
He said some individuals gain training at the Sheriff's Office, then leave for higher pay at other law enforcement agencies.
The sheriff said the full increase would again make his office competitive.
He is also requesting $380,000 for the FUSE program aimed at finding alternative placement for those with mental health issues who wind up in jail.
Another $100 per officer is needed for the officer uniform allowance, he said.
The budget includes six new officers, including two School Resource Officers, two on patrol, and two in transport.
There are current SROs in the high school and middle schools, so new SROs would be placed at the elementary level.
Another request is $400,000 for operations, including jail supplies.
There is a $616,000 capital request for body worn cameras for all officers. More smart phones are also needed, it was stated.