Commissioners delay action on sheriff's staffing request

By Lisa Majors-Duff

Half the sheriff's request, which allowed for the creation of several specific line items within his budget as required by law, was approved. The second half, which would require some $37,500 be added to the same budget, was tabled to give at least two board members time to gather more information on the sheriff's request.

In his reorganization plan, Ashe explained he has "leveled the playing field" by eliminating several positions - including a major, two captains and two lieutenants - streamlined officers' duties and cut salaries. In addition, several positions vacated at the start of his administration - including a juvenile investigator, a crime prevention officer, a chief deputy and an administrative assistant - have not been filled in an effort to conserve depleted funds.

Further, a Governor's Crime Prevention Grant to employ two officers assigned specifically to investigate domestic violence cases was salvaged although records necessary to receive the funds were five months overdue, he said.

Ashe's request for additional personnel includes four detention officers, for a total of 12 when the new jail is occupied, an additional patrol officer, bringing that total to 12, and one additional detective in the investigative division.

In a report prepared to justify his requests, Ashe indicated problems with record keeping discovered when he took office in December in part led to his reorganization plan.

"The administrative assistant position is crucial to the daily operations of the Sheriff's Office due to the large number of discrepancies found in the records of the department," Ashe said. "Upon my taking office, I discovered several problems with records involving monies assigned to the department, receipts of items purchased by the department, personnel records, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

"If these problems are allowed to persist, then the county could face civil liability issues due to the amounts of local, state and federal money that is accountable in these records," he continued.

In addition to four new jailers, whose primary duty would be to ensure inmate safety, a new detective "...is required simply to assist with the ever-growing number of incidents that occur in Jackson County," the sheriff said. "At the present time, the investigators are only able to focus on the most serious crimes, while the investigation of lesser crimes are delayed until time permits."

In his effort to establish "community policing," Ashe said he hopes to assign one officer each to three sections of the county - north, south and central.

"This will allow these officers to know their district and the people," said Ashe, who related that community support and cooperation often leads to crime solving. "I want to create a liaison between the community and the office of the sheriff."

Ashe's proposal received praise and support from Commissioners Stacy Buchanan and Eddie Madden, who said, "$37,500 is a minimal investment to make sure this reorganization goes smoothly for you. We certainly don't need to be in the business of micromanaging the Sheriff's Office."

County Manager Ken Westmoreland echoed support for the sheriff's plan, saying "it was not without sacrifice on the part of the sheriff to make it work."

But questions, although not specifically stated, obviously remained in the minds of Commissioners Roberta Crawford and Brian McMahan. Upon their suggestion, the sheriff's request for additional personnel was tabled and a meeting was arranged between them and the sheriff for this Friday.

Chairman Buchanan indicated the sheriff's request would be addressed during the board's next regular session Tuesday, Feb. 11.

In a related matter, Westmoreland reported that a "calamity" had occurred at the new jail over the weekend when a water leak saturated the carpet and floor tiles in the facility.

"It was pretty extensive," said Westmoreland, who indicated the plumbing contractor would be held responsible for repairs.

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