Sheriff Jim Hammond listens as resolution 612-44, an amendment to the sheriff’s office budget calling for an additional $275,000, is voted down during the Hamilton County Commission meeting Wednesday morning.HOW THEY VOTEDChester Bankston – abstainedGreg Beck – yesTim Boyd – noJim Fields – noJoe Graham – noLarry Henry – noWarren Mackey – noMitch McClure – noFred Skillern – no
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond’s $275,000 deficit might be closer to $675,000.
That prospect prompted a county commissioner to call Wednesday for an in-depth review of Hammond’s spending.
“I’m shocked,” Commissioner Joe Graham said. “I think an audit may be in line for answers.”
Last week, Hammond asked commissioners to dip into his office’s $1.3 million reserve fund for $275,000 to cover overspending for expenses such as fuel and overtime. Commission Chairman Larry Henry asked then about possible effects on the fund balance.