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Over the years, in our county as well as most others, many <br />community services programs have been added to the basic <br />functions of law enforcement. These programs have originated <br />from need as well as the public's demand for additional <br />services. While -I believe community services programs are <br />valuable assets to effective law enforcement, they have <br />resulted in major increases in Sheriff's Office expenses and, <br />as a result, the citizen's taxes. Therefore, to meet the <br />budget objective, we will be reducing the number of personnel <br />occupying positions in the School Resource Program and the <br />Ranch and Grove Program. <br />As we reflect on•the past nine months since my taking office, <br />there have been numerous and significant changes in the <br />Sheriff's Office, all dedicated to the improvement of <br />services and reduction of costs. Among them have been: <br />The elimination of eight high-level management <br />positions resulting in the savings of over <br />$557,000.00 annually. <br />The generation of more than $237,235.00 in revenue <br />to the county resulting from leasing jail space to <br />house Federal prisoners. <br />The reduction in the costs of food for jail inmates <br />by 22$ through more aggressive planning and <br />purchasing policies. <br />The closing of the North County Sheriff's Office. <br />More than double the number of hours worked by <br />inmates in jail work programs. <br />An increase in the number of volunteers from 22 <br />volunteers to 58 volunteers. <br />An improvement in the efficiency of county -wide law <br />enforcement through close cooperation with other <br />law enforcement agencies. <br />The implementation of zero=based budgeting and the <br />development of a line -item, program -based budget. <br />With this management tool, we are able to know <br />exactly where our costs are and quickly respond <br />when the occasion demands. <br />Even while becoming more efficient, we have been able to <br />increase road patrol coverage as well as improve response <br />time. <br />The implementation of cost reductions and asset liquidation <br />of $582,615.00 will result in some reduced services and <br />difficult working conditions in some programs. However, the <br />Indian River County Sheriff's Office will remain a strong, <br />effective law enforcement agency aggressively searching for <br />positive, more efficient and more productive ways to serve <br />and protect the citizens of Indian River County. <br />Sincerely, <br />Gary <br />GCW: <br />Wheeler, Sheriff <br />9 <br />BOOK 90 PAGE 556 <br />