Decreasing patrol staffing over the last 25 years impacts public safety.
He is in support of Charter amendment for deputy staffing based on population but acknowledges budget implications, such as public defense, jail, courts. He does not agree with Auditor Kimsey on his recommended the staffing model.
He described recruitment challenges: 30% attrition rate among new deputies after academy training, affecting staffing levels.
Sheriff Horch emphasized the need for a long-term funding mechanism to maintain adequate staffing in the sheriff's office:
County received resources from the Public Safety tax to increase staffing and purchased body cams.
Council has applied for public safety funding for 21 deputies and support staff.
Staff leave since they do not get the help they need.
Now they are nearly fully staffed. Local academy is helping greatly.
He stated that even with more patrol, there is no follow up, not accountable to the court, prosecutor won’t prosecute.
He provided an estimate of cost for desired staffing: Initial cost car, gun, vest about $225,000/year and then drops. After the initial investment the cost drops to $150,000 after that.
He explained that annexations do not happen quickly and require planning and collaboration with the city.
Annexing 51 square miles reduces County need for staffing. 160,000 1.92 officers/1,000.
Were annexation to happen, the City would likely need to contract with the County until they get staffed up. No one loses their jobs doing annexation.
Annexation should have happened years ago.
He recommends adjustments to proposed charter to allow for more flexibility.
Sheriff Horch said that Law enforcement costs are going up. Benefit packages need to be competitive with the City. They train staff then after 3-4 years, deputies go to Vancouver.

No old business

New business: The Chair said they will continue first readings. Since the last meeting the count is up to 30 intake forms. Currently there are 12 1^st readings yet to be done.

Clickto see table of all proposed Charter Amendments

Chair: First readings complete. Work Plan Subcommittee to meet tomorrow. Next topic is public outreach. He polled the room for ideas.

Adjourned: 7:59 pm

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