JACKSON (AP) — The Jackson City Council has approved the hiring of Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin as the city’s police chief.

“The department has been woefully underfunded, underpaid,” McMillin said after Monday’s vote.

McMillin said basic items like rain gear for patrol officers had not been bought. Taking care of small things gives officers pride because they know they are important, he said.

“When you start trying to improve a department, the first place that you start is with morale,” McMillin said. “And if you correct those morale problems, you’re going to correct a lot of the problems.”

McMillin, also the elected sheriff of Hinds County, will be paid $75,000 a year for the rest of Melton’s term, which is up in 2009. He makes $105,000 as sheriff and begins his fifth term as sheriff in January.

“Without question, (McMillin) can do both jobs because essentially he’s been responsible for both of them since he was elected sheriff,” Melton said.

McMillin, 63, of Clinton accepted the position on Nov. 16, two days after Melton removed Shirlene Anderson, who had been chief since July 2005.