PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Members of the interim Appropriations Committee of the South Dakota legislature appeared to be puzzled by raises given to state Highway Patrol Troopers.

Department of Public Safety Secretary Craig Price said they were losing troopers.

Price told the committee they were not getting the applicants they wanted.

Department Finance Director Angela Lemieux said they had the authority to give the raises.

Committee co-chair, Representative Chris Karr of Sioux Falls says the committee should have been notified earlier.

The raises were authorized after the start of the state’s fiscal year.