Councilman Jim Kemp shared this post on his page. I agree that the issue is “systemic” (special cause variation).
o. The system was changed when the state police significantly increased salaries, which caused a chain reaction throughout the state. The better-funded counties can respond by paying more, and the smaller counties cannot.
o. Sheriff Stogsdill has briefed the council (several times) on Brown County’s situation and how the funding issue is affecting his department. He has asked for additional funding. The needed funding is just not available. This led other county departments to expect that they, too, should receive competitive pay with the surrounding counties. After countless hours of analysis, the council has confirmed that we do not have the money.
o. What are some options? Since the state changed the funding formula, it should be responsible for the second—and third-order effects. Without additional funding from the state and approval of new revenue-raising policies (that could include a State Park gate fee), it is necessary to inform the public of the risks of cutbacks. The Washington County Sheriff has taken a first step.
o. An additional step with a cutback is to inform the public of the risks. What can happen? What is the probability (level of certainty) of occurrence on a scale of 1-low, 5-medium, to 10-high? What is the severity of the occurrence (1 to 10)? How can the risk be mitigated? Sometimes, there is nothing you can do but be aware and prepared.
