Sheriff taking cutbacks in stride

Sheriff George Wilhelm is taking a different tack in dealing with near zero increases in his department’s budget.

Wilhelm told commissioners that he is looking at ways to operate the department more efficiently. “We will try to scramble to find a way to better serve the county.”

The sheriff’s department may have fared the worst of any county department in the 2001-2002 proposed budget.

Wilhelm requested nearly $3.5 million in new items, everything from $1.2 million for completion of a new jail section to $2,000 for a staff Christmas party.

County Manager Tim Russell recommended only one item: a school resource officer that will cost the county under $7,000 through a matching grant.

Instead of pleading or whining at the budget meeting earlier this week, Wilhelm thanked the commissioners for their support. “We support you,” he told commissioners. “We would like to have the same support back.”

He also urged the board to keep the sheriff’s department in mind next year, when perhaps more money will be available. And he took the opportunity to make his case early with an eye toward next year.

Citing census figures, the sheriff pointed out that there has been a 23 percent increase in the number of people living in the county’s jurisdiction.

During that same period, there has been no increase in the number of patrol officers.

The sheriff noted that earlier Monday evening, deputies were stretched so thin, a Landis Police officers was assisting a deputy on a call near Enochville.

“We must look to the future,” said Wilhelm, emphasizing that the population and demand for services is being also felt by the emergency medical services and fire departments.

“People aren’t getting as much (service),” said the sheriff. “They call 911 and expect a deputy in minutes.”

In his requests, Wilhelm sought $542,000 for eight new positions to create two new patrol zones. He also sought additional investigative officers, four court deputies, four detention officers and other personnel.

During a workshop earlier this month, commissioners did agreed to an additional $7,000 in new spending. The board agreed to buy eight self-contained breathing units.

The overall budget for current year is just over $4.6 million. It will grow to just over $4.7 million in the next fiscal year.

Commissioners haven’t adopted the 2001-2002 budget. They are scheduled to meet Tuesday to take action on a final budget or an interim budget.

The board is awaiting action by the General Assembly on the state budget. Officials fear legislators may seize funds that normally come to the county.

Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette@salisburypost.com .