Clallam sheriif talks about budgets and border patrol

April 27th, 2011 - 6:27am

(Port Angeles) -- Clallam County's sheriff says rising personnel costs could put a hit on his budget.

Sheriff Bill Benedict says although his department has been able to reduce costs in a number of areas, salaries in the future could be a problem. He is especially concerned about collective bargaining that is looming for some of his labor groups.

Benedict says he's concerned about a clause that won't allow consideration of the county's ability to pay as part of the negotiations.

Benedict says there may need to be talk of other ways to fund law enforcement, that might include debate about possible new taxes.

The sheriff says his department has been able to lower jail costs, which has helped. He says most of the savings have come from collecting more medicaid payments from inmates. The county has also contracted health care services with an outside agency that has reduced costs.

During a presentation yesterday, Benedict also touched on the U-S Border Patrol. The Border Patrol is preparing to build a new headquarters and has been increasing the number of agents working in the area.

Benedict says there could be a move in the future to give them regular police powers. Benedict says with budget pressures, border counties, such as Clallam, may start looking to using the federal agents to provide more routine law enforcement services. However, he says that would require a number of changes in local and federal statutes.

Benedict made his remarks yesterday before the Port Angeles Business Association.

http://www.konp.com/local/6836