Friday, July 25, 2008

The Bad News

Well, the Larimer County commissioners are requiring that the Sheriff's Office cut its budget by over a million when it's all said and done. It has been determined that public safety is only of mid-level concern when compared to other county agencies in Larimer County. We just heard that no more people will be hired for the Sheriff's Office and that the twenty positions that are open will not be filled. Some positions are going to be cut. However, our supervisor said that no jobs will be cut in the Records Department.

We in the Sheriff's Office question the wisdom of supporting other county agencies/programs ahead of public safety and crime prevention. If monies are not made available, the public may (will) have to pay a higher price in crime, overcrowded jails, fewer deputies on the roads, less training to do the law enforcement jobs, and less involvement in important programs (already LCSO will no longer be involved in the Drug Task Force). At least two of the commissioners have indicated they are going to be causing problems for the Sheriff (and his office) because they have had conflicts with the Sheriff. It seems very shortsighted to me.

My personal good news is that I will be working a while longer!

3 comments:

Momstheword said...

That's a terrible shame! Commissioners sometimes do that so that when a vote comes around for increased taxes, the public will be more apt to vote yes. I think that is so anyway. Glad you still have a job. I wonder why they advertise those cuts? I guess so the criminals can make future plans.

Julie said...

Boy do I have a story to tell you about people sacrificing the publics safety, but I can't tell you yet.

Robin said...

Glad you still have your job, but sorry for the community to lose in the long run with decreased safety and protection...