Allegheny County sheriff seeks $2 million increase to boost deputies and facility security
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Summary
Sheriff Krauss asked council for a roughly $2 million operating increase for 2026 to add deputies and enhance security at county facilities, telling council he requested eight additional deputy positions and emphasized training and a proactive security posture.
Sheriff Krauss told Allegheny County Council on Oct. 13 that his office will seek about $2 million more in operating funds for 2026 to maintain essential functions and improve security at county facilities.
"Our 2026 operating budget request is to increase overall by $2,000,000 to ensure essential operations are maintained," the sheriff said. He said the funding would cover manpower needs and other security-related costs and that the office requested eight additional deputies.
Council members applauded several recent operational efforts — including satellite concealed-carry permit events and a well-regarded canine unit — and asked how the sheriff would use added personnel if funded. The sheriff said deputies and overtime funding would be prioritized to secure buildings and respond proactively to threats.
Why it matters: the sheriff's request is part of the county's overall budget review and would affect staffing and overtime costs for core public-safety services. Council members also sought detail on whether the office's requested increase would be sufficient to meet its stated goals.
What happens next: the sheriff will work with county budget staff during the line-item review. Council members asked for additional budget detail; no vote was taken at the hearing.
