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Hendry County sheriff asks commissioners for $2.72 million budget increase, cites jail capacity and tech costs
Summary
Sheriff Steve Whitten asked the Hendry County Board of County Commissioners to approve a $2.72 million increase in the Sheriff’s Office budget for fiscal 2025–26, citing growth in calls for service, jail overcrowding and rising costs for technology and cloud storage.
Sheriff Steve Whitten told the Hendry County Board of County Commissioners on June 10 that the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office is requesting a $2.72 million increase in its 2025–26 budget to fund new positions, equipment and a 5% cost-of-living adjustment.
Whitten said the 5% COLA request would total $652,000 and that the department is also budgeting for higher fringe rates and health-insurance costs. “Tonight, we've come before you to request an increase in our budget of 2.72, million dollars,” Whitten said. He told commissioners the increase would pay for two community service aides, two additional jail positions and one civilian records clerk, plus technology upgrades and capital outlay.
Why it matters: Whitten emphasized rising demand and limited jail capacity as immediate needs. He said the jail population is running “around 280-something” while the…
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