Adams County debate centers on sheriff budget, canine fund use and possible dispatch hire

Committee members and county staff reviewed the Adams County sheriff’s proposed budget for 2026 and debated how the county accounts for and uses money in the sheriff’s canine fund.

Sheriff’s budget highlights: the sheriff told the committee most requests were small and that staff had moved an annual subscription fee for the sheriff’s fleet cameras from the capital budget to contracted services. Kyle, the county finance manager, said the department’s 2026 proposal incorporates a 2.4% cost-of-living adjustment and an estimated 9–9.5% health insurance increase. Staff also noted a possible position addition in dispatch to reduce overtime.

Dispatch staffing: Kyle and county administrative staff said analysis of overtime patterns — including several months when positions were fully filled — suggests adding a dispatch position may be warranted. County administration said a formal justification and further analysis would be required before any new position is added and that any new position would be presented to the administration and finance committee.

Canine fund use and accounting: the sheriff objected to using the canine fund to pay deputy wages, saying, "I still just feel that the canine carryover to pay for the deputy's wages is outside of, I guess, what that money is intended for." County administration and finance staff defended the current accounting approach as consistent with matching principles and proper accounting, saying the overtime wages paid from the canine fund are tied specifically to K‑9 training overtime. The sheriff’s office reported about $8,000 year-to-date had been used from the canine account for deputies’ overtime (including related payroll taxes and benefits). County finance reported a canine fund balance of about $161,000 (up from an ending balance of about $84,000 in 2024).

Committee members pressed on donor expectations and long-term viability. Committee member Mister Baker said donors expect canine funds to cover dog care and equipment, not officer salaries, and questioned how the fund would cover future veterinary care or replacement animals if overtime wages continued to be charged to the fund.

Next steps: county staff said they would prepare an accounting schedule and auditor statement to explain how canine funds are used and would present further data when the committee next considers the budget. Any new positions will require a formal justification and follow the county’s position-approval process.

Other sheriff notes: the sheriff reported community events including a prevent-suicide walk and a K‑9 fundraiser at Fawn Creek, and he said a K‑9 ride fundraiser is scheduled for Oct. 11.