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Sheriff highlights Starlink connectivity, Mark 43 system and steady staffing request in budget briefing
Summary
Sheriff Jeremy Bridal presented a largely status‑quo budget request for FY2026–27 that emphasizes technology upgrades — county‑wide Starlink connectivity and the Mark 43 integrated CAD/JMS system — maintenance, facility needs and modest staffing restorations rather than new positions.
Sheriff Jeremy Bridal briefed the board on the Sheriff's Office proposed budget for fiscal year 2026–27, saying the ask prioritizes technology, maintenance and restoring previously frozen positions rather than adding new headcount. “We have the connectivity throughout the entire county now,” Bridal said, describing Starlink deployments that support field operations and emergency communications.
Bridal described the department’s transition to the Mark 43 system (an integrated CAD and report‑writing platform tied to Tyler for jail management) and said the software enables live unit tracking and improved dispatch‑to‑report workflows. He told the board that the department’s last measured average response time was about 6 minutes, 45 seconds, and said the new systems will help optimize deployment and beat assignments.
The sheriff noted no new positions were requested; the office seeks to unfreeze previously authorized slots and continue recruitment and retention efforts for deputies. He also described investments to transfer fleet management responsibilities to Public Works Fleet (reducing duplicative internal billing), increased jail medical costs (about $230,000 anticipated for jail medical services), the addition of a second K‑9 unit with plans to expand to four total, and ongoing facility maintenance and security upgrades for the jail.
Board members asked how asset forfeiture proceeds are handled and whether seized property can be repurchased by community members; Bridal said asset forfeiture proceeds are administered after criminal cases clear through the district attorney’s civil process and that Public Works typically handles auction disposition via national auction sites to reduce impropriety risk.
Bridal also flagged planning for large‑animal housing and disaster preplanning, noting the high cost of storing animals in prolonged criminal cases and urging the board to consider long‑term options. The sheriff closed by thanking staff and noting ongoing interagency cooperation for communications and emergency response improvements.
