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Residents, sheriff press commissioners as Thurston County budget cuts target public safety
Summary
Sheriff Derek Sanders and scores of residents urged the Board of County Commissioners to restore cuts to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, while the board said cuts to multiple departments are being considered as it pursues a balanced 2026 budget.
Sheriff Derek Sanders and dozens of Thurston County residents urged the Board of County Commissioners to spare or restore proposed cuts to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office during a long public-comment period Tuesday.
"We as elected officials can better educate our citizens on the very real systemic problems that are facing county level government," Sanders told the board, adding that Washington ranks low on officers per capita and that local staffing remains below national averages. He warned that deputies and support staff will face 2026's operational pressures with reduced resources.
Chair Ty Minster and staff told the assembled residents the board has…
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