Lay-off scare subsides in sheriff’s office

by Morgan Dixon
Staff Writer

The threat of lay-offs in the Athens County Sheriff’s Department has temporarily subsided after an additional $32,000 was appropriated Tuesday to the sheriff’s fund.

Sheriff Vernon Castle was faced with the possibility of laying off employees to make up for budget cuts and a 4 percent pay increase promised by union contract, Lt. Rodney Smith said.

About $1,275,000 was appropriated to the sheriff’s office in 2001. About $1,262,000 was appropriated in 2002, County Auditor Jill Thompson said.

The decreased budget and guaranteed pay increase were the reasons for the lay-off scare. The 4 percent salary increase totals about $26,000 for all 30 sheriff’s office employees.

Castle spoke with the county commissioners last week about the situation. The commissioners said not to implement the lay-offs because they will find an alternate way to come up with the money, Smith said.

County Commissioner Mark Sullivan said there is no need to take drastic measures and lay off employees because it is much too early in the year to know how much money the county will have.

“We are hopeful that as the year goes on additional revenues will be certified for the sheriff’s department as well as other departments,” Sullivan said.

The county budget will continue to change as the auditor continues to certify funds. About $80,000 more was certified to the county appropriations last week, accounting for the money appropriated to the sheriff’s office on Tuesday, Commissioner Lenny Eliason said.

The sheriff’s office employs more deputies than other personnel, so the officers would be targets for the lay-offs, Smith said. The limited office staff is needed for clerical duties and are not as likely to lose their jobs.

“I believe we have the biggest county budget because we are a seven-day-a-week and 24-hour-a-day operation,” Smith said, comparing the sheriff’s office to other county departments.

Although the sheriff’s office is no longer at risk for lay-offs, it might consider lay-offs further in the year if additional funds cannot be found, Smith said.

“We have no intentions of laying off anyone unless it’s a last resort,” Smith