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Judge Hutchins says Fiscal Court is not managing sheriff's day-to-day operations after public concern
Summary
After multiple calls about the Nelson County Sheriff's Department, Judge Executive Tim Hutchins issued a news release and told listeners that the sheriff is an independently elected official; he emphasized that the Fiscal Court approves budgets but does not control day-to-day sheriff operations.
Nelson County Judge Executive Tim Hutchins addressed public concerns about the sheriff's department on the radio show, saying he issued a news release after receiving numerous calls but stressing that the sheriff is a separately elected official and that the Fiscal Court does not control the sheriff's day-to-day activities.
"The sheriff department ... he's a highly elected official just like I am ... we don't have to control their day-to-day operations; it's not a Fiscal Court County judge's responsibility by statute," Hutchins said. He added that the Fiscal Court does review and approve the sheriff's budget, but oversight of operations lies with the elected sheriff.
Hutchins urged listeners to let the legal process play out where attorneys are involved and said the court's role is limited to budgeting and fiscal oversight. "When the system gets done here ... we'll find out the truth and that's really all I can say," he said.
Why it matters: The remarks were prompted by multiple caller questions. Hutchins' clarification emphasizes the separation between elected law-enforcement leadership and the county's Fiscal Court, which could shape expectations about what the court can and cannot do in response to departmental issues.
Next steps: Hutchins encouraged residents with questions to call the county office and said the county will provide information as the legal process moves forward.
