EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is one step closer to hiring 30 new deputies, but some are concerned about how to fund the new recruits.

On Monday, El Paso Count Sheriff Richard Wiles got County Commissioners' approval to go after more than $5 million in federal stimulus money to hire the new deputies. But the money only lasts for the next three years.

"There's issues in the county that we are seeing regarding sexually oriented businesses, animal abuse cases, prostitution, gang problems and drug problems of course," said Wiles.

With those issues in mind, Wiles will apply for the federal stimulus money. The money is good for salary and most benefits for the first three years of the 30 new deputies.

"We've got to prepare now. As a matter of fact these people probably should have already been in place before this time, but here we have the opportunity for the federal government to pay for those first three years," Wiles told KFOX.

Some in the county like the idea of more deputies on the streets.

"Whatever it takes to protect El Paso, especially with the border situation right now, I think it's a good idea," said Joaquin Garcia of Canutillo.

But Canutillo business owner Melissa Hernandez is worried about picking up the tab of the salaries and benefits when the federal funds run out.

"If it's going to come out of my paycheck, I say no, because I can use that money for my family and what we need," said Hernandez.

"I'm hopeful that the economy certainly will be in a much better position by then to be able to absorb those salaries into the county budget," said Wiles.

Wiles believed there should be no problem in getting approved for the grant. Twelve of the new deputies would be added to patrols, seven as property crime detectives, and five to strike teams, which are special units of the Sheriff's Office.