County council approves $555,160 sheriff appropriation for filled deputy positions and related costs

The Tippecanoe County Council on Sept. 9 approved a $555,160 general fund appropriation for the sheriff's department to fund deputy positions and related health and overtime costs.

Councilwoman Vernon moved to approve the appropriation and Councilman Murray seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. The sheriff explained the appropriation was needed because positions approved previously were not fully appropriated last year and have since been filled. "When we did the budget for 2025 last year, there were positions that were approved, but we didn't appropriate the money for them," the sheriff said, adding that deputies now on a waiting list prompted the request.

The sheriff also described operational strain from inmates who require hospital stays. He said the department frequently has inmates at local hospitals — at one point noting there were four overnight — and that deputies must be assigned to those inmates, which reduces patrol coverage. "We have inmates at the hospital all the time. There was 4 overnight," the sheriff said. He described increased overtime needs to cover deputies who are out sick, in training, or at bereavement leave.

Council questions clarified that some positions were not fully funded last year because applicants were not available, and that the department's 2026 budget had been funded fully for those positions. The council approved the appropriation after deliberation.

Action taken - Motion: approve general fund appropriation for the Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $555,160. - Mover: Councilwoman Vernon. Second: Councilman Murray. Outcome: approved (voice vote).