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Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > November > 02 > Entry
Sheriff refusing staff cuts
This story almost got lost in the hubbub of the indictment of Michael Fox:
Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones sent a letter to commissioners Thursday, Oct. 29, refusing to cut personnel 11 percent as they suggested.
“This office has reduced costs and has generated a significant amount of revenue,” Jones said in the letter. “At this time I feel that it would be inappropriate and irresponsible to submit a budget that would require such additional drastic reductions and potentially put the public at further risk.
“Hopefully there are alternate solutions, but ultimately the decision is yours.”
Jones could not be reached for comment Thursday night.
Chief Deputy Anthony said personnel is the biggest expense for the office and the sheriff has declined to make further cuts that would amount to 2.5 million.
In a letter sent Tuesday, Oct. 13, commissioners asked their departments and other elected officeholders for 11 percent cuts in non-mandated services to patch a projected $6.6 million hole next year.
They are asking for proposed budgets from these offices by today, Oct. 30, along with a list of which services they provide that are mandated by law. Everything else is on the table as commissioners work to craft a budget by Jan. 1.
Under initial projections, the hardest hit would be the sheriff’s office. It accounts for more than a quarter of the county’s total $89 million budget and is proposed to lose $2.5 million next year.
Cutting that much would “dramatically and severely impact public safety for the citizens,” said Dwyer earlier this year.
County Finance Director Pete Landrum said the sheriff’s office budget accounts for more than a third of the county’s general fund and more than 40 percent once mandated services are subtracted, he said.
Commissioner Gregory Jolivette said he finds it “very distressing” Jones would take such a stance.
Jolivette said Jones is “playing a power game and using public safety as the weapon.”
He added balancing the budget is not an option, noting if it is not done the county will go into default, the state will take over its finances and make the cuts.
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Comments
By Phil Man
November 2, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this
He can refuse it all he wants. When he doesn’t have the money to pay people, let’s see how tough he is then.
By hamilton resident
November 2, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this
Way to go sheriff Jones. I live in German village and I am sick of the thieves and drug addicts and prostitutes that frequent my area as well as all the illegals that we have to house in jail and pay for their food. East Ave is a slime pit. Let the county make the cut in staff somewhere else. We need the police!
By Jenn
November 2, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this
Sherrif, learn to live like rest of us and cut the budget. You are paid to make tough decisions.
By West Chester Resident
November 2, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
I continue to be a fan of Sheriff Jones, and admire the fact he’s not just the standard “yes man” when it comes to politics and standing firm on his convictions. Not only should there be no budget cuts in police and sheriff depts, but their budgets should be increased for citizens’ protection during these tough times!
By greatly concerned
November 2, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
Dixon’s GF got her money back, you can bet the Sheriff will get his too. The precedent has been set. The GOP doesn’t want Sheriff Jones running against Boehner and this will all be negotiated behind closed doors.
By Robert Z Wagoner
November 2, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this
To Null and all other readers. I recently had the opportunity to meet with a young man named Wes Retherford who is running next year for the commissioners spot. He isn’t getting a lot of attention cause he isn’t a Good Ol Boy insider. You need to give him a shot. He’s got the right ideals and values and is truly concerned about the people. He is a regular citizen and working man with a family that actually knows what it is like to worry about bills and putting food on the table. He’s a good guy from what I can tell and he will be a lot better than any of the other crooks or insiders the Butler County Good Ol Boys club is putting up for election who will actually do what is right instead of playing to the wishes of the different mover and shakers in the GOP
By James Bown
November 2, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this
I got a comment for all of you, the city is going to hell in a hand basket,HPD,couldn’t fine a hot dog,at a carnival,The Sheriff is trying to keep this county as safe as the “GOOD OLE BOYS MONEY WILL LET HIM”To bad he don’t run the city Law Enforcement,As will.They be a few LEAVING,with a Quickest,of a RoadRunner.
By James Bown
November 2, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this
Public Safety as a Weapon!!! When did Jolivette become a Public Safety Officer? Maybe he needs to go back to what he was good at, selling Hot Dogs and Root Beer,Then maybe he could help HPD,fine that elusive hot dog.Jolivette needs to read the news paper,to see the crime rate,in Butler Co.It’s not just use for putting fish in the trash.You might fine the reading en-lighting and also helpful, so you’ll be more informed,about the need of Law Enforcement,in this county.When was the last time he walk down EAST AVE,after dark,or his car broke down on a dark road in this county. HE NEVER DID,AND NEVER WILL.Get Real!!Public Safety is the first business,of the Commissioner’s Office,we pay for it,with our tax’s,it’s NOT their money,something just cost more to run,Crime is High Dollar,so don’t pi$$ down our backs,and then tell us it’s just raining……..
By Second Ward
November 3, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this
The city of Hamilton should contract with the sheriff for law enforcement in the city. I’m sure he could provide much better service for a lot less money.
By Russia
April 1, 2010 6:32 PM | Link to this
Hey very nice blog!! Man .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…