Sheriff's Office plans $26.4M budget for 2024 amid staffing and overtime challenges

Financial challenges and staffing concerns dominated the Washington County Public Safety Committee meeting on July 18, 2025, as officials reviewed the sheriff's department budget and operations. With a total budget of $26.4 million for 2024, the department faced a 2.6% overage, translating to nearly $691,000 in excess spending.

Sheriff's representatives highlighted that overtime costs in the jail were a significant factor in the budget overrun, exacerbated by ongoing staffing shortages. The department has been proactive in filling vacancies, which has minimized the impact of a budgetary "contra wage" factor that typically accounts for expected vacancies. However, the absence of this factor in the operations division has led to financial strain.

The meeting also detailed the department's structure, which includes 59 patrol deputies and various specialized units, such as major crimes and a multi-jurisdictional drug unit. Notably, the sheriff's office handled approximately 43,000 calls for service last year, with a consistent number of OWI arrests and a decrease in traffic fatalities.

In addition to operational updates, the committee discussed the implementation of a new field force team and the importance of community engagement through school visits, despite the lack of School Resource Officers (SROs) in local schools. The sheriff's office remains committed to maintaining a visible presence in educational settings to foster relationships with students and staff.

As the department navigates its budgetary challenges, officials emphasized the need for continued support and strategic planning to ensure public safety remains a top priority in Washington County.