Go Back

 

County's Growth Puts Pressure On Sheriff's Budget

    One of Lake County’s largest employers, and Lake County’s single largest budget line item is looking to beef up its salaries.  The Lake County Sheriff’s Office in the past week has revealed a budget plan that seeks to increase salaries and add staffing as it races to keep up with the county’s growth and outside salary pressure.
    "Everything has gone up," said Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell on Tuesday, August 27, as he presented his initial budget proposal to the Lake County Commission.  "I don't ask for more than I need."
    Grinnell and his financial staff presented a variety of data indicating Lake County has room to grow to maintain a competitive salary and public protection environment.  A proposed budget of just under $105.5 million is far from the largest in Central Florida, with Grinnell presenting data that the county trails Marion County by almost $60 million, while Lake County’s population is larger than Marion’s and will continue to be so in coming years - by larger margins.
    Grinnell is seeking $928,000 to increase civilian pay to a minimum of $17 per hour. Additional funds are being sought to also help offset IT safety.
    “We’ve been getting hammered with cyber attacks,” said Ray Bailey, Senior Director of Finance for the sheriff’s office.  Costs associated with keeping the office’s technology secure from attack continue to rise, and food costs associated with operating the Lake County Jail are up 23%.
    Grinnell, citing data showing the sheriff’s office starting pay for deputies at the bottom range of several surrounding county - and several county municipalities - reportedly is seeking $4.2 million in the coming years to get starting enforcement salaries up to $56,000.
    Additional expenses could be coming also, as both commissioners Leslie Campione and Sean Parks brought up the fact that there is interest in creating sub-stations in Astor and other rural areas.