Sheriff’s budget request
The sheriff of Clayton County, Victor Hill, has presented his budget request for the fiscal year 2024 to the county commissioners on Tuesday. He asked for an increase of $12.7 million, or 19.5%, from the current budget of $65.2 million. The sheriff said that the additional funding is needed to hire more staff, buy new equipment, and improve the jail facilities.
Hill said that his department is facing several challenges, such as rising crime rates, staff shortages, outdated technology, and aging infrastructure. He said that he wants to hire 120 more deputies, 60 more detention officers, and 15 more civilian staff. He also wants to purchase 150 new vehicles, body cameras, tasers, radios, and computers. He said that these investments will help improve public safety and reduce liability.
The sheriff also requested $2.5 million to renovate the jail, which he said is in poor condition and poses health and safety risks to inmates and staff. He said that the jail needs new plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and security systems, as well as repairs to the roof, walls, and floors. He said that the jail is overcrowded and understaffed, and that he wants to create more space and programs for inmates.
Commissioners’ reaction
The county commissioners listened to the sheriff’s presentation and asked him questions about his budget request. They expressed their support for the sheriff’s goals, but also raised some concerns about the feasibility and affordability of his plan. They said that the county is facing a tight budget situation and that they have to balance the needs of all departments and services.
Commissioner Sonna Singleton Gregory said that she appreciates the sheriff’s work and that she agrees that public safety is a priority. However, she said that she is worried about the impact of the sheriff’s budget request on the county’s finances and tax rate. She said that she wants to see more details and justification for the sheriff’s spending proposals.
Commissioner DeMont Davis said that he supports the sheriff’s efforts to improve the jail conditions and programs. He said that he believes that the jail should be a place of rehabilitation and not just punishment. He said that he wants to see more collaboration between the sheriff and other agencies and organizations that provide services and resources to inmates.
Commissioner Felicia Franklin Warner said that she is impressed by the sheriff’s vision and innovation. She said that she likes the sheriff’s idea of creating a drone unit and a cybercrime unit to enhance the department’s capabilities and efficiency. She said that she wants to see more data and evidence on how the sheriff’s initiatives will benefit the community and reduce crime.
Next steps
The sheriff thanked the commissioners for their feedback and said that he is willing to work with them to find a solution that meets the needs of the county and the department. He said that he hopes that the commissioners will approve his budget request and that he will provide them with any additional information they need.
The commissioners said that they will review the sheriff’s budget request and compare it with the requests from other departments and the county manager’s recommendations. They said that they will hold public hearings and workshops to discuss the budget and hear from the residents. They said that they expect to adopt the final budget by June 30, 2023.
