Sheriff asks commissioners to restore frozen deputy post, cites surge in felony caseloads and aging fleet

Sheriff described increased investigative workload and regional assistance demands as the rationale for reopening a position that has been funded at a dollar for several years. "A few years ago... I was asked at that time if I would take 1 of my vacant positions and freeze it for a dollar, which I willingly did. Well, I'm I'm here today to ask you if I can re, re bring that back," he said.

He said the department is handling more major felony and conflict cases, and that specialized work such as Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) is producing frequent search warrants. "ICAC... we're doing anywhere from 1 to, to 3 search warrants a week," the sheriff said, arguing the detective unit is "absolutely swamped." He said the office can no longer routinely handle misdemeanor investigations because detectives are committed to high-priority felonies.

On vehicles, the sheriff provided a fleet inventory and condition assessment: 29 vehicles (including 3 vans), several cruisers with more than 100,000 miles, one vehicle unsafe because of frame rot, and two spares with high mileage. He described a prior informal arrangement for four new cruisers and said the current plan is two in the CIP, one in the current budget, and a possible fourth if surplus funds are available.

The sheriff also described outside-detail and town-reimbursement revenue (Danbury, Salisbury examples) that have increased detail revenue but said that relying on outside details does not reduce the need for full-time capacity. He asked commissioners to consider restoring the position and noted an estimated full-cost (including benefits) of roughly $100,000 for the role if hired at a competitive step.

Ending: Commissioners deferred final decisions about fleet purchases and personnel until CIP discussions and further budget review; the sheriff said he would return with any supplemental requests.