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Sheriff warns of $98,000 shortfall for domestic-violence detective and outlines staffing needs for new jail
Summary
Sheriff Noah Robinson told council the state match for a domestic-violence detective has not kept pace, creating an expected county shortfall of roughly $98,000 next year; he also outlined staffing needs for a new jail and options to reduce overtime through hiring and part-time deputies.
Sheriff Noah Robinson told the Vanderburgh County Council during the budget hearing that a long-running state-supported domestic-violence detective position faces a growing county funding gap and that staffing the county's new jail will require dozens of hires.
The sheriff described the domestic-violence position as "extremely busy" and said the state's matching formula has not increased in years. Robinson estimated the local share needed to keep the position filled in 2026 will be roughly $98,000 unless additional grants are secured.
"This position's absence will be noted," Robinson said, describing an annual caseload of about 395'to 410 domestic-violence investigations that the detective handles. He said the state currently provides about $64,000, the county contributes roughly $25,000 and the total expected cost for the position in 2026 is in the mid-$80,000s range under the state's formula; the shortfall grows as total salary costs rise.
Robinson said he has been covering the county portion with other grants in previous years, including a school-dedicated grant (EVSC) that he has begun reallocating to school deputies, creating a funding gap for the domestic-violence detective. He said he is pursuing outside grants and that council support for a partial county contribution would help avoid eliminating the position.
Council members discussed options, including temporarily using a vacant deputy line to cover the county match; Robinson cautioned that transferring funds from a vacant position only delays the need to reappropriate when the vacancy is later filled. Several council members suggested pressing state legislators for larger matching support.
Robinson also outlined staffing and operational needs tied to the county's jail expansion. He said the county will need roughly 22 additional confinement officers for the new facility and proposed phasing hires in mid-2026 to meet an expected opening in early 2027. The sheriff said his office had improved retention recently after raises and recruitment efforts, and he expressed optimism that the department could fill many positions if recruitment and working conditions continue to improve.
The sheriff also described intermediate measures that have helped manage staffing in the courthouse: part-time retired deputies and "special deputies" have reduced overtime and provided surge capacity, but he said losing even one part-time deputy would strain staffing.
On other budgetary items, Robinson said vehicle maintenance and replacement costs have risen because modern patrol vehicles (SUVs, Interceptors) have produced higher repair bills than older models; the department continues to purchase some used Toyota vehicles for nonline roles. He also said the county is paying between about $37 and $45 per day to house inmates in outside jails, and that the state per-diem has recently increased to about $42 for some transfers.
Robinson asked the council to consider funding flexibility and possible partial support for the domestic-violence detective while he seeks other grants. Council members asked for additional options and agreed to consider temporary transfers or partial funding proposals while pursuing state-level advocacy.
No formal votes were taken during the sheriff's presentation; Robinson said he would return mid-2026 to discuss phased hiring as the jail project approaches opening.
