Sheriff demands urgent budget boost to tackle rising crime

During a recent government meeting, the focus was on the budgetary needs of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, as Sheriff Rick Wells addressed the commissioners regarding the challenges posed by the county's rapid population growth. Sheriff Wells highlighted that while Manatee County's population has surged by 29% over the past decade, the Sheriff's Office has only expanded by 12%. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the department's ability to adequately serve the community.

Wells emphasized the need for additional resources, noting that the Sheriff's Office's share of the county budget has decreased from 20% to 16% over the same period. He pointed out that in order to meet the FBI's recommended staffing level of 2.6 deputies per 1,000 residents, the department requires an additional 364 deputies. This figure starkly illustrates the gap between the current staffing levels and the national average, underscoring the urgency of addressing these needs.

The meeting also included discussions about the upcoming budget process, with the Chief Financial Officer confirming that the only items up for vote were the millage rate and the updated budget for the county attorney. The commissioners acknowledged the importance of thoroughly vetting the constitutional officers' budgets before making any decisions, with a commitment to revisit the budget discussions in September.

As the county continues to grow, the Sheriff's Office's request for increased funding and personnel will be a critical issue for the commissioners to consider in their upcoming budget deliberations.