Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond wants to expand part-time employment in his department and replace aging patrol cars.
But first he must get the additional money requested in his proposed 2011 budget.
Part-time employees work up to 20 hours per week, save the department costs in benefits and overtime and their hours are easier to adjust, Sheriff Hammond told the Hamilton County Commission during his budget presentation Monday.
BUDGETS* FY10 budget -- $26.9 million* FY11 proposed budget -- $27.5 millionYear - Expenditures* 2009 - $28.1 million* 2008 - $24.6 million* 2007 - $26.1 million* 2006 - $25.2 million* 2005 - $23.7 million
"You get a bigger bang for your buck but don't have to commit long term," he said.
The sheriff's $27.5 million proposed budget is slightly higher than last year's proposed budget, but still lower than last year's actual expenses. County reports show the sheriff's office spent $28 million last year, up $4 million from 2008.
Sheriff's office expenditures have hovered between $23 million and $28 million since 2005, according to reports.
Though the sheriff's office is short 10 full-time officers, with county revenues so low, now isn't the time to request those positions be filled, the sheriff said.
There are 22 part-time officers working with the department, some in training in fugitive and prisoner transport. The sheriff said using part-timers is "kind of a balancing act" in which the employees, nearly all retired officers, can be used as needs arise. If money gets tight, he simply assigns fewer hours.
On the issue of new cars, the sheriff said his department has 229 vehicles, 53 of which have more than 150,000 miles.
Last year, the commission authorized purchasing 12 new cars and grants paid for an additional 11, the sheriff told the commission. But to keep up with wear and tear, the department needs 38 new cars each year, he said.
"We've been losing ground for the last few years," he said. "Once they hit that 150,000 mark, they're about worn out."
The sheriff also asked to retain five of the older cars for reserve deputies rather than trade them in, as has been practice.
Commissioner Fred Skillern said he wanted to see what additional costs would be associated with keeping the older cars before making that decision.
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