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Sheriff’s office authorized multiple hires and vehicle-leasing shift; K‑9 equipment approved
Summary
The committee approved authorization for deputies, investigators and corrections officers; the sheriff’s office said it will shift toward leased vehicles, adjust budgets for insurance proceeds, and purchase K‑9 equipment tied to a leased vehicle.
Columbia County’s sheriff’s office reported a string of personnel and budget items May 19 and the committee approved multiple authorizations to fill vacant deputy, investigator and corrections positions. The office also requested and received authority to abolish and re-create certain positions to create a senior investigator slot and to change a sergeant communications role to a basic communications officer as needed.
Sheriff’s staff said the department will shift to leasing vehicles rather than purchasing them and asked permission to move budget lines accordingly. The office also requested equipment purchases for a K‑9 team to outfit a leased vehicle. A further budget amendment recorded receipt of $6,600 in insurance proceeds. Inmate population and year‑to‑date reports were presented; staff noted it can take many months—sometimes up to roughly two years from exam to road duty—to recruit and fully onboard deputies given testing, background and academy requirements.
All motions carried by voice vote; committee members asked follow-up questions about recruitment timelines, academy availability and the likely staffing pipeline.
