There was an all-out campaign before the Erie County Legislature on Thursday night to block a $31 million increase in funds for the Sheriff’s Office in 2024 and redirect that money to other community services.
But whether that campaign will gain traction among legislators is another question.
The sheriff’s budget is projected to grow from $150 million this year to $181 million next year, an increase of more than 20%.
Nearly half of the more than 50 speakers at the County Legislature’s budget hearing urged legislators to vote against increases in Sheriff’s Office funding. Many recommended that the millions of dollars be redirected to services related to mental health, housing, health assistance and education.
In addition, more than a dozen stood on the steps of Old County Hall prior to the public hearing to denounce the additional investment in the Sheriff’s Office and to promote an alternative model that would send more non-criminal emergency calls to a specialized…
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