Lee Sheriff budget increases - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Lee Sheriff budget increases

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By Jim Wallace - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Lee County Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals says he has concerns about the county's proposed 2010 budget, even though commissioners are giving him more money.  

The budget increases funding for the Sheriff's office and jail by $304,000 to a little more than $3.9 million.

Commission Chairman Ed Duffy said that would allow the Sheriff to add three deputies, in addition to adding new cruisers, funds to operate the jail, and some courthouse improvements.

The Sheriff says he doesn't want a tax increase, but increasing population and crime in Lee County means a need for even more deputies. 

"My concern is for the public safety," said Sheriff Reggie Rachals. "Worried about not covering the county like it needs to be covered, properly. The jail staff is understaffed, and they are having to work overtime. Some of the officers on the street are having to work overtime also." 

Rachals said he has implemented cost-cutting and efficiency plans to save money but that Lee County's growth demands more law enforcement. Rachals urges concerned citizens to attend the budget public hearing June 15th.

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