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Sheriff asks for more deputies and courthouse coverage as SRO funding and jail staffing move forward; commissioners approve public‑safety line items
Summary
The sheriff asked the commission to add deputies and expand courthouse and school coverage while explaining restrictions on state SRO grants; the committee approved several law‑enforcement budget items including a special patrols grant increase and SRO-related funding and moved forward on jail pay and equipment requests.
The Houston County sheriff told the budget committee the department needs more deputies and consistent courthouse coverage as the county grows, and described limits in state School Resource Officer (SRO) grant rules that affect how the county staffs schools.
The sheriff requested funding to bring the department to 11 deputies—an increase he said would cost roughly $93,074 more than current salaries—and described how staffing shortages leave only one deputy after 3 a.m. on some nights. He told the committee he would accept fewer additions if needed but said additional deputies would improve response and courthouse security.
On SROs, the sheriff explained that state grant rules restrict how many positions can be directly funded by the state and that some grant terms make it difficult for retired officers to work without affecting retirement benefits. "If we hired 2 SROs of our own, then that would fall under the control of the sheriff," he said, explaining an alternative approach to grant‑funded SROs.
The sheriff also told commissioners a special patrols/highway safety grant was increased in the department’s request from $5,000 to $10,000, and that the department has equipment and uniform needs—cold‑weather gear, rifles, handguns and vehicle rotation money—that it would like to meet from grants and impact funds.
Jail staffing and wages were also discussed: the jail administrator asked for an increase to $22 an hour for the general administrator and proposed $18 an hour for part‑time work crews; commissioners discussed pay compression and retention as reasons for higher pay.
Actions and votes: The committee approved several law‑enforcement budget items during the meeting. The transcript records voice votes approving the drug enforcement account adjustments and a motion to increase the special patrols grant to $10,000. Later the committee voted to "approve the budget with 2 SROs and 2 new" deputy positions; the motion was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Ending: The sheriff asked the commission to consider multi‑year implications—grant sunset risk and the county’s potential need to replace state funding if grants are reduced—and to weigh equipment and training needs alongside personnel additions.
