Butler County's sheriff's deputies are now officially in a union, earning more money per hour than they used to earn.

But, language that was included in an arbitrator's agreement and was approved last week by county commissioners gives the county the right to privatize some of the deputies' functions.

Whether privatization ever happens is another thing, but commissioners indicated last week it's likely to be considered in the coming year.

Sheriff Denny Rickard is not happy. "No," he said, when asked if he favored the idea of contracting out some of the services performed by his deputies. Furthermore, he said, he believes the commissioners will not have sole say over whether it happens. "The courts will have something to say on that subject,'' he said.

Commissioner James Kennedy, the only one of the three commissioners who is running for another term, said he is happy the language that allows for subcontracting a private firm is in the arbitrator's award that was given to the county Sept. 13.

"It gives us flexibility," he said.

Commissioner Scott Lowe agreed. Commissioner Glenn Anderson said some informal contact already has been made with some private companies.

The focus is on the front doors of the courthouse, where visitors are required to pass through a metal detector. If it sounds, a sheriff's deputy uses a metal detector wand for a closer scanning of the individual.

The arbitrator also determined that if any sheriff's deputies are laid off as a result of subcontracting, they will be given preference for any other county jobs that are open at the time.

The 42 deputies now are members of the Service Employees International Union Local 668, along with county clerical and technical staff.

The agreement will expire Nov. 30, 2008.

The new salary schedule contained in the agreement calls for raises that vary according to position. The single biggest categories are full-time deputies, 16, previously earning $14.56 per hour, increasing retroactively to Jan. 1, 2007, to $14.92 per hour then being boosted again on Dec. 1, 2007, to $15.66 per hour.

The 18 part-time sheriff's deputies were earning $13.10 per hour. Their wage will increase to $13.42 per hour retroactive to Jan. 1, then to $14.09 per hour, as of Dec. 1.

The remaining deputies also will receive raises.