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Commission adds two full‑time courtroom deputies to 2026–27 budget
Summary
Commissioners amended the 2026–27 budget to add two full‑time courtroom deputies at a one‑time/year‑one cost of $148,187.74; the amendment passed 7–5 and was incorporated into the adopted budget.
Commissioners voted to add two full‑time courtroom deputies to the 2026–27 budget, a move supporters said reduces liability in courtrooms and aligns staffing with state expectations.
A commissioner proposed funding two full‑time deputies at a total first‑year cost of $148,187.74 by reallocating $40,000 from the part‑time courthouse-security line and $18,187.14 from the jailer reserve. The sheriff explained the change responds to liability concerns and the need for certified officers rather than part‑time staff: "We are putting ourselves in such a high liability" if full‑time coverage is not provided, he said.
The amendment passed on a roll-call vote of 7–5 and was added to the budget before the final adoption. Commissioners noted that the recurring personnel cost will need to be covered in future budgets; accounting and staffing follow-up was assigned to the sheriff's office and the county finance department.
The vote underscores the commission's shift toward more formal courthouse security staffing after repeated reliance on part‑time deputies.
