Jefferson County commissioners approved a memorandum of agreement Monday between the county and the union for its corrections officers that will give $10,000 in “hiring incentive” pay to new employees.

The agreement will also pay $15,000 to new employees who laterally transfer from other agencies into jobs at the county’s Correction Center.

Incentive pay of $15,000 will also be provided to current employees.

The incentive pay for eligible employees will be paid in installments.

Employees who get the incentive pay will be required to sign a three-year agreement and reimburse the county on a pro-rated basis if they leave their jobs before the agreement expires.

County officials said the incentive pay is needed to address a continuing shortage of corrections officers.

The county’s corrections facility has a staff that usually numbers 15, but currently has six vacancies.

The shortage of workers has led to 2,600 hours of overtime pay since January 2022 as officers have been required to work extra hours to cover vacant shifts.

Officials said the retention incentive pay will help attract and retain staff, and noted neighboring counties are currently offering hiring and retention pay.