The Loudon County Commission heard a request from the Sheriff's Department to change the retirement age for officers, but it was denied as commissioners chose to revisit the issue during the next budget cycle.

The resolution would have established a mandatory retirement age for the department at age 60, or age 62 for those whose jobs are more than 50 percent administrative.

If the commission approves the change next year, it will allow officers who meet the requirements, including 25 years of creditable service, to retire on service retirement benefits at age 55.

Commissioners voted unanimously to deny the request because it would necessitate a budget increase. During a previous workshop Commissioner Earlena Maples asked if the issue would not be more appropriate during the next budget cycle, which her fellow commissioners agreed.