In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around staffing challenges within the sheriff's office following the termination of a contract related to ICE detainees. Officials revealed that six positions in corrections had been unfunded for over a year and a half, a decision influenced by anticipated changes in inmate population due to the implementation of the SAFETY Act.

The sheriff's office had previously maintained a general population of just over 200 inmates, but recent data indicates a significant increase, with numbers returning to pre-SAFETY Act levels. In light of this, there is a proposal to temporarily fund three of the unfunded positions to address the growing demands on the corrections staff, especially as approximately 20 individuals are nearing retirement.

During the meeting, it was noted that other departments, including the state's attorney's office and the public defender's office, had also raised concerns about increased workloads and the need for additional personnel. The sheriff's office is now reassessing its staffing needs in response to these developments, highlighting the ongoing impact of legislative changes on local law enforcement operations.