PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
Immigration Policing's Cost Is a Concern

By Christy Goodman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 19, 2007; Page B04
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 01766.html

Some Prince William County supervisors expressed concern yesterday about the estimated cost of a new policing plan to target criminals who may be in the country illegally, warning it could raise pressure to increase taxes.

Having police officers check the immigration status of people detained for shoplifting, traffic violations or other misdemeanors is projected to cost about $14.2 million over five years. Until now, such checks typically have been limited to people suspected of more serious crimes.

Yesterday the Board of County Supervisors heard details on the plan, which Police Chief Charlie T. Deane developed in response to a resolution approved in July to crack down on illegal immigrants.

"You are going to need extra funding in the budget and more resources," said Supervisor Maureen S. Caddigan (R-Dumfries). She said the additional policing expense could compete with other priorities, such as schools, as officials face lean budgets. "We need to be upfront with the people. . . . We know there will be a tax increase."

Supervisor John D. Jenkins (Neabsco), one of two Democrats on the Republican-led board, said the tax rate of 78.7 cents per $100 of assessed value could go up by 15 cents to support the policing plan. Supervisor Martin E. Nohe (R-Coles) pointed out that revenue from any tax increase would have to be shared with the school system, another source of budgetary pressure.

But Board Chairman Corey A. Stewart (R-At Large) dismissed the possibility of tax increases and said the county should look at trimming services first. Within a county budget of $850 million a year, Stewart said, the policing plan "is not going to break the bank. It is not going to cause any significant increase in anybody's tax bill."

Next month, the board is expected to begin developing a budget for the coming fiscal year.

County Executive Craig S. Gerhart said the board must approve funding for additional officers under the new immigration enforcement plan because it will require officers to spend more time detaining, questioning and possibly arresting people. Deane said police expect lawsuits challenging the policy, which could also prove costly.

In addition, Gerhart said, the county expects additional law enforcement expenses unrelated to the immigration policing plan, including a jail expansion and a new training academy for first responders.

The board has set aside $1.4 million this year for initial costs of the immigration enforcement plan. Board approval is needed to add seven officers to the county force. The board is expected to take action Oct. 2 after hearing a report from Gerhart on county services that can be withheld from illegal immigrants.

Some residents who came to yesterday's meeting criticized the policing plan.

"I think that we are seeing why immigration is a federal power," said Nancy Lyall of the Woodbridge Workers Committee, who added that the plan raises constitutional and other concerns. "I don't think the people of Prince William County are going to be willing to have their taxes increased to drive out their neighbors, consumers and fellow taxpayers."

Others approved the county's new direction.

"You can't classify what the positive impacts will be, but I'm positive that once the illegal aliens realize Prince William County is not where they want to be, we're going to see dramatic improvements," said Greg Letiecq of the anti-illegal immigration group Help Save Manassas