Sheriff Martin Pace wants an extra $405,000 next year for higher salaries for deputies and to replace an aging fleet of patrol cars.

It’s a need that has grown fourfold in money terms in a year’s time, as budget uncertainty threatens to halt significant pay raises and a fleet of about 40 vehicles used for patrol, traffic, investigations, court services and administrative areas has grown older and moved closer to the auction block.

Pace termed the 5 percent cost-of-living raises included in the department’s $3.7 million budget request as “the most critical issue, as far as me being able to attract and retain the quality of employee the public has come to expect.”

“I know the budget’s tight, and I don’t envy any of your positions,” Pace told the board during budget talks Friday. “But come on, guys. At some point, we’ve got to let these people know they’re appreciated.”