Sheriff outlines largely flat budget, warns rising fuel and vehicle costs could squeeze patrol operations

Sheriff Chad Parton presented the Sheriff's Office budget and described it as “basically ditto of last year,” noting the major changes are vehicle requests and one-time uniform and equipment outlays. He asked the committee for line-item questions but emphasized he did not seek broad pay raises in this cycle: “No, we did not apply, for raises,” he said, adding the department intends to continue recruiting and to fill vacancies in patrol and corrections.

Parton described several budget pressures that could affect patrol operations, telling the committee rising fuel prices are a core concern. “That fuel at $4.29 a gallon … it's gonna affect us down the road,” he said, warning the committee that tight fuel budgets can force doubled-up patrols or parked cars and reduce public safety presence. He also highlighted the county maintenance facility (the old bus garage) as a cost-saving measure for vehicle upkeep and said it has “really saved us in the long run.” The sheriff noted a lease-style vehicle program is nearing its end next year and asked commissioners to consider whether to resume direct vehicle purchases.