Commissioners provisionally back $2.3 million increase to sheriff—s budget; sheriff seeks larger raise package

County budget staff presented a line-by-line review of the Columbia County Sheriff—s proposed budget and highlighted several areas of concern, including higher-than-expected raises in the current year, lost School Resource Officer (SRO) contract revenue and unaccounted-for salary-lapse savings from vacant positions. Rob Powell (county staff member presenting the analysis) summarized that the county could balance the overall budget while providing roughly $2,293,509 in additional funding to the sheriff—s office. Under the staff—s recommended approach that amount would allow the sheriff to give a flat $7,000 increase to sworn law-enforcement personnel and a 2% raise for non-sworn civilian employees. Staff and commissioners discussed that the sheriff—s office received an average 8.39% raise in the current year and that certain civilian employees received raises in the 10— 13% range; staff recommended reducing civilian raises to the county—s 2% across-the-board level while permitting a targeted $7,000 for sworn personnel. The staff memo also flagged approximately $100,000 per month in salary-lapse savings from roughly 18 vacant sheriff—s positions. Why it matters: the sheriff—s budget is one of the county—s largest expenditures, affects public safety staffing and turnover, and is constrained by limited discretionary funds. Commissioners voiced sympathy for recruitment and retention problems but also emphasized the need for a balanced budget. Board action and next steps: Commissioners gave consensus support to the staff-recommended budget balancing approach (the roughly $2.3 million increase) but county management said the sheriff communicated that his minimum ask is higher (about 2.6% additional in staff—s framing, or roughly $300,000 more). County staff asked the board to confirm direction so remaining budget decisions can be finalized and published in time for the budget schedule. Discussion highlights: Commissioners and staff discussed SRO funding changes (the county had formerly received SRO revenue from Florida Gateway College and other contract changes that reduce contractual revenue), the treatment of salary lapse and overtime, and that any final figure must allow the county to publish a balanced budget on schedule. Ending: No formal vote occurred at the workshop; commissioners asked staff to finalize a balanced budget for publication using the staff plan unless the board directs otherwise. The sheriff and his finance director participated in follow-up conversations with county staff during the workshop.