The Henry County Council voted Tuesday to pay a $2,500 bonus to Deputy Corbin Kidd following his completion of the law enforcement academy, and the council agreed to fund the bonus from an existing unspent on‑call pay line in the sheriffs budget.

County staff explained that Ordinance 2024‑9 entitles deputies who complete the law enforcement academy to a $2,500 bonus; the auditors office asked which account should cover the unbudgeted payment. The council reviewed the sheriffs September budget status and, after conferring with the sheriffs office, approved using $2,500 from the on‑call pay line (1000.14), which had a reported unspent balance of about $3,300.

A council member said the council should consider budgeting a line item for such academy completion bonuses in future years so the payments are anticipated in the annual budget. The motion to pay the bonus from the on‑call pay line was made and seconded and carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: The payment meets an existing county ordinance benefit for new deputies and uses existing budget savings rather than requiring an additional appropriation.

What remains open: Council members asked that future budgets consider a dedicated line for academy completion bonuses.