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by nearly $100,000 from 2003 to 2004. An analysis of these statistics reflects spending patterns that simply do not match either our crime rate or our population growth.
In the same five year period, total Rappahannock deputies’ salaries have declined as a line item. Don’t we need to raise deputies’ salaries to attract and keep competent deputies and staff? Isn’t this more important that new gadgets we don’t need and cannot afford?
Spending on new vehicles, insurance and maintenance has averaged over $78,000 per year over the last four budget years. Do we really need a new “live scan” fingerprint system that cost almost $40,000 dollars in this year’s budget? Do we really need a new computerized “records” system for $75,000? Does our current sheriff have a realistic plan to hold the line on spending and keep costs under control? If so, we have yet to hear about it 12 days before Election Day.
To get the biggest bang for our “law enforcement buck,” we need a sheriff who can and will prioritize spending on salaries, benefits and other budget items that truly will provide the most benefit for county taxpayers and property owners.
Instead of wasteful duplication, Rappahannock County needs to maximize its utilization of law enforcement resources and equipment available from the Virginia State Police, instead of buying our own equipment when the costs cannot be justified every dollar of which takes money away from public education or adds to the tax rate. And the man in charge of the Sheriff’s Department must have the intelligence, education, management training, discipline and experience to do the job
96.7%