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Macon County approves new transport deputy and reallocation of transport budget for involuntary commitments
Summary
The board approved reallocating transport funds and adding a transport deputy position after the sheriff said criminal‑transport duties cannot be contracted out; commissioners approved moving funds from overtime and other lines to cover a $105,000 transport contract and a $73,476 fully‑loaded deputy position.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved the sheriff’s request to reallocate existing transport funds and add one transport deputy position to the proposed budget.
Sheriff Holbrooks told the board the county had budgeted roughly $175,000 in the transport line for fiscal year operations but that the county’s responsibilities for transporting individuals to court, hospital and other custody transfers require a sworn deputy. He asked the board to reallocate $105,000 to cover an all‑inclusive contract for involuntary commitments and to add one fully loaded deputy position the sheriff estimated at $73,476. The sheriff said criminal transport and writs must be handled by the sheriff’s office and cannot be delegated to the private transport company.
County staff recommended covering the remaining difference by drawing down overtime and other detention‑related lines. Commissioners moved to reappropriate existing funds in the detention transport line and to add the transport deputy position in the proposed budget. Commissioner Antoine made the motion; Commissioner Shields seconded. The board approved the request unanimously (recorded 5–0).
Why it matters: The change shifts the county’s approach from relying on overtime and spot contracting to a mix of a fixed contract for involuntary commitments and a dedicated transport deputy for other transport duties, which the sheriff said will reduce overtime and ensure sworn personnel perform criminal transports.
