Since becoming sheriff, I have tried to be a good steward of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. Through better management, fiscal responsibility and a more practical application of funds, the BCSO has returned approximately $700,000 in unspent budgeted money since 2006, which was in turn paid back to the county’s general fund. We have been able to continue that trend of fiscal responsibility for the upcoming budget year.

Our fiscal budget for 2011 will cut spending by $600,000 over the current budget in order to help avoid the need for a tax increase. I worked closely with my command staff and budget director to identify areas where we could realistically cut spending for a one-year period without sacrificing services or compromising public safety. It was a challenge and not something we can sustain for an extended period, but we did it. 

During tough economic times, the character of a community is revealed by how well adversity is handled. I am confident the high character of Bradley County will win out over the economic challenges we face as a community.

Here at the sheriff’s office, we should be able to sustain the coming budget cuts for one year without a reduction in services primarily because of the improvements we have made over the last four years. Through better management of resources and sound fiscal planning, we have been able to improve vehicles and equipment, as well as upgrade deputies starting salaries to the point that the proposed cuts should not adversely affect law enforcement services or emergency response times. All current BCSO positions are included in our new budget with no reduction in salaries. 

We here at the BCSO have consistently operated within our means and without the necessity of imposing tax increases. Each year, we bring in approximately $4.2 million in operating revenue and $500,000 in drug-related asset forfeitures. Also, our inmate work program saves the county approximately $1 million in expenses that would have normally been budgeted if the inmates were not helping out. These monies either off-set BCSO and/or county’s expenses, or are returned to the county’s general fund balance. 

As sheriff, I am proud there has been no need for a tax increase to sustain our operations and that  every year we have returned money from our balanced budgets to the taxpayers. We will have to tighten our belts to meet next year’s budget, but we are all happy to help hold the line on taxes and still maintain a safe environment in which to live and work.