Undersheriff Boyd requests $4.25M budget increase to address sheriff's office deficits

During the Monterey County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 3, 2025, significant discussions centered around budgetary adjustments for the Sheriff’s Office, highlighting ongoing financial challenges and operational needs. The undersheriff presented a request for increased appropriations totaling $4.25 million to address a budgetary error and an additional $2.75 million to cover unexpected payroll costs, which have exceeded initial estimates.

The undersheriff explained that a misallocation of funds during the budget creation process led to a deficit in the Sheriff’s Office budget. Specifically, funds intended for one budget line were mistakenly recorded under another, resulting in a projected shortfall of $7 million earlier in the fiscal year. Despite efforts to mitigate this shortfall through internal controls and reduced spending, the department still faced significant unbudgeted costs, including wage increases for staff and the hiring of new deputies, which contributed to the overtime expenditures.

Supervisors expressed concerns about the unpredictability of overtime costs and the high attrition rate within the department, which has seen 25 sworn vacancies since July 2024. The discussion revealed a broader issue of financial oversight, with several supervisors questioning the adequacy of internal controls and the need for a more transparent budgeting process. They emphasized the importance of accountability, particularly given the substantial resources allocated to the Sheriff’s Office compared to other departments.

In response to these concerns, the board agreed to approve the requested appropriations but also directed the County Administrative Office to explore options for a budget audit of the Sheriff’s Office. This audit aims to provide clarity on spending practices and ensure that future budgetary decisions are made with a comprehensive understanding of the department's financial management.

The meeting underscored the delicate balance between ensuring public safety through adequate funding for law enforcement and the necessity for fiscal responsibility in managing county resources. As the board moves forward, the implications of these discussions will likely shape future budgetary strategies and operational policies within the Sheriff’s Office and beyond.