The Associated Press

POMEROY, Ohio - Delays in getting a boiler fixed in the sheriff's office are causing some tempers to rise in Meigs County, where the sheriff and commissioners have been in a budget dispute.

County Commissioner Jim Sheets denied that county officials are dragging their feet and said delays occurred in getting the proper state permits and finding parts to fix the boiler. The work should be completed by early this week.

In the meantime, "they've got six portable heaters over there to keep them warm," he said.

Deputy Kevin Dugan said sheriff's employees are upset about the delay.

"If the courthouse heating system broke where the commissioners' office is located, it sure wouldn't take three weeks to fix," he said.

Deputy Dugan is the county director of the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, which represents the deputies.

At one point last year, Sheriff Ralph Trussell said his budget would force him to lay off deputies and other employees and patrol the county by himself. Commissioners accused the sheriff of mismanaging the $596,000 annual budget.