Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck is continuing to share his concerns over potential budget cuts to his department.
Last month, Schenck wrote an open letter highlighting the negative consequences he believes budget cuts would have on public safety in Cayuga County. While on FLX Morning with Ted Baker on Thursday, he clarified that while cuts may be necessary, it’s his belief that cuts to public safety should be the last to be made.
“The purpose of my letter was not [to say] that the sheriff’s office shouldn’t have a responsibility to make some cuts if necessary – we may still have to do that – but that we should be a last resort,” said Schenck. “I think public safety services are paramount.”
The sheriff is concerned that a budget cut would prevent him from filling open positions within his office thus making it difficult to maintain appropriate road patrol coverage and adequately maintain the jail while working on new initiatives to prevent crime and reduce recidivism. He added that a budget that allows him to offer competitive salaries and benefits is necessary to maintain quality service.
“There’ll be some challenges ahead but we’re going to do everything we can to make sure we continue to meet the expectations of the public that we serve.”
Schenck admitted that a number of factors are causing budget challenges for county departs, such as fluctuating fuel prices and inflation. Another contributing factor is the county office building’s unexpected closure and need for repairs in the aftermath of a January windstorm.
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