Dearborn County Sheriff's Office discusses budget adjustments and staffing changes

Dearborn County officials are making significant adjustments to the sheriff's budget during the recent budget hearing held on August 6, 2025. A key decision was made to replace the captain position with a sergeant role, streamlining the command structure within the department. This change is expected to enhance operational efficiency without increasing costs, as the salary for the new sergeant will remain consistent with the previous captain's pay.

The council also discussed the allocation of funds for vehicle purchases, proposing to move the budget for three new cars into the Capital Development Fund (CCD). This shift aims to better manage the department's resources, particularly as vehicle maintenance costs have risen significantly.

In a notable move to improve staffing, the sheriff's department is implementing a lateral hiring policy that allows for the recruitment of experienced officers from other departments. This strategy has already proven successful, with new hires bringing valuable experience to the team. However, concerns were raised about the morale of existing deputies who may feel overlooked by this policy. To address this, the council is considering salary adjustments for three long-serving sergeants to align their pay with the new lateral hires.

The budget hearing also touched on the need for improved court security. A full-time sergeant has been reassigned to oversee court security, which is expected to reduce reliance on part-time staff and enhance overall safety. The council is contemplating increasing the pay for part-time court security personnel, recognizing the importance of their role in maintaining safety at the courthouse.

Overall, the adjustments made during the budget hearing reflect a commitment to enhancing public safety and operational efficiency within the Dearborn County sheriff's department. As the council moves forward, these changes are anticipated to foster a more effective law enforcement environment in the community.