NORWICH - A lack of candidates applying for and sticking to part-time nursing jobs at the Chenango County Public Safety Facility has resulted in county leaders increasing the hours of two open positions.

All but Town of Preston Supervisor Peter C. Flanagan voted at the Board of Supervisors meeting last week to increase the two part-time jobs from 19 hours to 29 hours per week with benefits.

Sheriff Thomas J. Loughren has repeatedly pushed for more medical coverage at the new jail during committee meetings all this month. He said staffing is currently deficient and finding nurses to work part-time without benefits has been difficult.

“We need full coverage. We are playing Russian roulette without it,” Loughren said.

Chenango County Personnel Department Director Bonnie Carrier said Loughren has had difficulty filling nursing positions because “not all nurses want to work with that type of clientele. Benefits might help.”