HAMILTON COUNTY, Tennessee (WDEF) – The discrepancy between pay rates for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Chattanooga Police is about to get worse.

Chattanooga is debating a tax hike to give fire and police a pay raise.

The city’s police chief says his department is losing officers to the county because they pay better.

On Friday, Sheriff Austin Garrett announced new pay raises for his officers beginning next week.

Patrol Deputies will begin at $62,000 while Corrections Deputies starting pay jumps to $54,000 (for frontline personnel).

The money will not require any extra funds from the County Commission.

Other Sheriff’s employees will also benefit.

· Judicial Security Deputy’s new starting salary is $55,000

· Civil Warrants Deputy’s new starting salary is $

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