Linn County will hire two deputies for jail duties instead of replacing the retired jail administrator.

Sheriff Brian Gardner told supervisors Monday morning he’d rather hire two new jail staff than replace Michael Carr, who retired last December. The deputies would work evening shifts in the jail’s booking area.

“This works out very well for our needs,” Gardner said.

Gardner said salaries and benefits for two new deputies will come to $127,237, compared to Carr’s package of $128,834 at the time of his retirement.

Carr’s duties will be split between sheriff’s Major Pete Wilson and Lt. Kent Steenblock, the two top-ranking officers at the jail, Gardner said.

Gardner’s proposal will be up for a vote at Wednesday’s formal session.