Sheriff submits $6 million budget request for 2021
Major items include added training, equipment
WAPAKONETA — Although the Auglaize County Sheriff is asking for more than $6 million for the department 2021, that amount is less than what was requested for 2020.
Sheriff Al Solomon’s request for $6,087,121 included funding an additional corrections officer position and a staff sergeant position at the jail — if the budget allows.
The budget request includes a $20,000 increase to equipment expenses as the department would like to see two new cruisers purchased as well as an unmarked vehicle. In addition, the sheriff’s office will look to institute a five-year plan for an estimated $50,000 for a K-9 cruiser, which is due to be replaced.
Another high-dollar ask from the five-year plan is an HNT Robot with video capabilities, which runs about $15,000 new. Chief Deputy Mike Peterson said they have used the robot during confrontations and is an alternative to using a mirror to locate a subject.
In the regular budget they are also looking at an increase of $5,000 for new jail computers. Additional line items include a $3,000 increase to maintenance for repairs to the showers and an east exit door.
Training funds are expected to jump from $37,000 to $82,000 as Solomon explained that they weren’t able to accomplish as much training this year because of COVID-19.
The Grand Lake Task Force budget rose by roughly $5,000 in the contract services line item, which is funded by grants.
Solomon said he expected a DARE grant to increase by about $2,000 next year.
Five year plan requests for 2021 would include multiple Kenwood mobile base radios to accompany new vehicles purchased.
As part of that plan, Solomon is also requesting replacement of 10 desktop computers at the office
as 35 of them are eight to nine years old. Solomon said they need to replace at least five next year.
He is also looking to replace five to 10 laptops in cruisers next year.
Another ask is for a replacement video server, which is estimated to cost $35,000 as the current server was purchased in 2012.
A full-time maintenance employee and a part-time nurse were also on the request list.
Special Response Team training is expected to cost around $5,500, which will allow sending a 10-person team to Sandusky for training. Solomon noted they are planning on buying 10 ballistic vests next year.
Solomon said in the future he anticipated more training and hoped funding would be available for training and covering officers shifts while they are training .
He said training was already being reviewed at the state level and that local deputies take additional training beyond the state requirements each year.