FLINT -- Controversy is swirling around a $15,000 raise received by Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell.  The raise comes at a time when county employees have been laid off. 

“It’s not justified,” said county resident Jennifer Reyna.  “People are losing their jobs and he’s getting paid more than he has to,” she said. 

Pickell confirmed the raise with NBC25 but would only say it comes on the heels of consolidation efforts that have given him more responsibilities.  He now is in charge of Homeland Security operations for the county.  The raise was approved by the Genesee County Board of Commissioners last June. Raises have gone to other county officials as well.