Commissioners authorize additional funds for Sheriff’s Department

The Adams County Commissioners met with Adams County Sheriff John Hunt on Monday, June 8, to make a decision regarding the overtime budget.

After multiple meetings between the two parties, the Commissioners voted to expend additional funds in the amount of $20,000 for law enforcement staffing, training and the overtime fund.

Since the beginning of May, the overtime budget has been 20 percent over the budgeted amount.

Hunt informed the commissioners that without additional funds, the department would be unable to allow proper coverage for several activities, including the upcoming Lind Combine Demolition Derby.

Hunt advised the commissioners that if overtime expenditures continue at the experienced rate this far during the 2015 budget, the fund would be exhausted before the end of the budget cycle.

If the fund is to be exhausted prior to the end of the budget cycle, Hunt’s department would be unable to provide coverage for community events and staff training.

Currently, the sheriff’s department line-item budget has $40,000 call out and $40,000 overtime.

As the elected department head, it is at Sheriff Hunt’s discretion of how to schedule use of the overtime within the budget.

The Commissioners and Hunt have been working to have a better understanding of the budget proposal and approved budget.

As Commissioner John Marshall explained, budgets are a collaborative effort put together and approved in accordance with State RCW’s with a public hearing and approval, and then the budget becomes an ordinance and a law to follow.

Certain events are important to local communities and the Commissioners seek to insure continuing the law enforcement staffing during the events.

These events include the annual Lind Combine Demolition Derby, Wheat Land Communities’ Fair and the Adams County Fair.

The Commissioners expect police coverage where contracted to do so and where special events require extra time and overtime to patrol such events.

Ongoing training of law enforcement personnel is necessary for the benefit of Adams County citizens. The Commissioners approved the additional funds to continue an effective level of law enforcement in the county for the safety of the citizens.

The Adams County Board of Commissioners intend to amend the 2015 budget for ongoing and required training and overtime in the amount of $20,000.

Any additional money may be used to back fill training, overtime and incident responses as Hunt see fit.