Budget crunch slows hiring, work in sheriff's office

With a shortfall of revenues from state managed timber sales projected for 2010, Wahkiakum County commissioners are already talking about putting the brakes on spending.

Tuesday, the board met with Sheriff Dan Bardsley, officers from his department, and other county officials to discuss spending and personnel needs.

Long-time Deputy Sheriff Hans York will retire at the end of May, and Bardsley wants to replace him immediately. He has also applied for federal COPS grants to restore another officer to the staff, which lost two officers in last fall's budget reductions.

Commissioners, expressed sympathy with the request to fill the position, and after discussion of possibly delaying the move to await word on the success of the COPS grant applications, decided to authorize the replacement.

Noting that the replacement had been appropriated in the 2009 budget, Commissioner Lisa Marsyla said it would be unfair to make another budget reduction now.

"However, everyone needs to understand that everything is up for grabs," she warned.

"We intended to replace York in 2009, but we always said it would depend on the budget situation," said Commissioner Blair Brady. However, he supported Marsyla's position and moved to authorize the hiring of a replacement; the motion passed 3-0.

Bardsley warned that further cuts to the patrol staff would seriously impair the deputies' ability to cover all calls and back each other on dangerous calls.

"My job is to manage with what the commission gives me to the best of my ability," Bardsley said. "My answer to 'We don't have any money' is 'What are our priorities?'"

In other business, Bardsley and Chief Civil Deputy Joannie Bjorge reported they had made an error in budgeting for refurbishing the communications center and asked the board to consider an appropriation to finish that project.

Bardsley and Olsen said they mistakenly believed they could use state E-9-1-1 funding to cover part of the project, which involves replacing computer servers, furnishings and flooring, and moving a wall. They have subsequently learned that the funds can't be used for some of the work. Their now about $45,000 short of what's needed to complete the job. They suggested the funds could come from the county's Capitol Projects or County Properties funds.

Commissioners said they would act on the request at their May 12 meeting.