Jackson County officials are recommending a pay increase for corrections officers at the county jail.
The Kansas City Star reports wages for guards would increase from $11.45 an hour to $12.60 and then to $14.55 after one year on the job if Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders' 2016 budget recommendations he submitted Monday are approved by the County Legislature.
Sanders has also proposed more training for guards, expanded medical care for prisoners and hiring an ombudsman to better mediate prisoners' complaints. He also calls for the upgrade of the detention center to keep it viable while officials decide whether to replace it.
Sanders created a task force in late August when he revealed the FBI was investigating the alleged use of excessive force by jail guards at the facility.
The proposals would add $2.7 million to the Corrections Department budget.
