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Ashe County commissioners approve $72,900 appropriation for sheriff—s law-enforcement funds
Summary
The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved increasing the Department of Law Enforcement appropriation by $72,900 drawn from two sheriff-related funds to cover equipment and other needs; discussion referenced drones, vehicles and past uses of asset-forfeiture money.
The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved an increase of $72,900 to the Department of Law Enforcement budget on a motion made during the meeting.
The appropriation raises the department—s budget from $4,511,829 to $4,584,729, with $33,120 to come from the sheriff—s federal equitable-sharing drug asset forfeiture fund and $39,780 from the sheriff—s controlled-substance drug fund, both held in the county general fund. "This increased appropriation of $72,900 to be made with $33,120 from the sheriff's federal equitable sharing drug asset forfeiture fund ... and an appropriation of $39,780 from the sheriff's controlled substance drug fund," the presiding official read when moving the motion.
The motion was moved by Commissioner Mike and seconded by the mayor. Commissioners and attendees discussed likely uses of the funds, noting past purchases made with similar funds. One speaker praised use of drones for public safety, saying the equipment "provides additional safety for your officers and people involved." Other attendees described prior purchases from asset-forfeiture funds, including vehicles and specialized equipment.
No recorded roll-call tally was read into the record during the motion text in the transcript excerpts provided; the chair called for the vote and indicated it passed with the customary "all in favor" phrasing.
Why it matters: The funds come from forfeiture and controlled-substance accounts and carry usage guidelines tied to law-enforcement activity. Commissioners explicitly tied the appropriation to equipment and operational needs rather than the general fund.
What happens next: The county will record the appropriation in its accounting system and the sheriff—s office will proceed with procurement under the rules that govern equitable-sharing and controlled-substance proceeds.
