During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding staffing levels and operational efficiency within the Coos County Sheriff's Office. A key discussion point highlighted the critical shortage of surveyors, with warnings that if one more staff member were to leave, the department would be unable to conduct field surveys due to safety regulations requiring two personnel on-site.

One participant emphasized the potential for a cost-effective solution, suggesting that the surveyors department could operate with a single employee for half the cost of a full-time position. However, this approach was met with skepticism, particularly in light of safety concerns for deputies responding to emergencies alone.

Sergeant Slater, representing the sheriff's office, urged the need for immediate action rather than continued planning. He pointed out that many employees are actively seeking other job opportunities while awaiting clarity on the department's future. Slater criticized the proposed 35-hour work week as impractical, arguing it unfairly penalizes current employees.

He also stressed the importance of understanding the broader context of law enforcement in Coos County, noting that the sheriff's office serves a significant portion of the population—27,000 residents in unincorporated areas—often with only two deputies on duty at a time. This stark contrast to the staffing levels in nearby cities, where multiple officers are available, underscores the challenges faced by the sheriff's office.

Slater concluded by asserting that the time for planning has passed, and decisive action is necessary to address the staffing crisis and ensure adequate law enforcement coverage for the community.