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Proposed budget seeks new policing technology and a higher supervisory rank in sheriff's office
Summary
The FY2027 draft funds Axon digital-evidence systems, body‑worn cameras and other communications tools and includes a proposal to regrade a sergeant to lieutenant to strengthen supervision; county officials framed investments as improvements to transparency and deputy safety.
County Administrator Kevin Massengill told the board the budget includes a significant package to modernize the sheriff’s office: digital evidence systems from Axon Enterprises, body‑worn cameras, real‑time communications tools and nonlethal options such as tasers. Massengill said those investments aim to improve transparency, accountability and deputy safety.
"This strengthens transparency, accountability, and trust," Massengill said of the technology proposals, adding that new systems can support more effective investigations and prosecutions and assist deputies with reporting.
The budget also includes a proposed regrade of a sergeant in the security unit to the rank of lieutenant to create a clearer chain of command. Massengill said the change is intended to align with industry supervision standards and support the sheriff’s office as it pursues accreditation. The specific personnel regrade and equipment requests are included in the draft budget; the board will consider them during the May 5 vote.
