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BOOK pLIE D'� d <br />Sheriff Wheeler explained that shortfalls in the Broward County prisoner monies <br />amount to about $361000 so far and there is a possibility the numbers will continue to <br />decrease. He requested that the Board allow him to investigate taking prisoners from other <br />agencies, such as Brevard, Dade, Pinellas and Charlotte Counties and the Immigration <br />Department. These prisoners are segregated and only the healthy, non-violent prisoners are <br />taken. These prisoners are used to work for the County's non-profit associations and for the <br />County. He also requested that the approximately $11,500 overage from the housing of <br />Federal prisoners be used to help make up his shortfall. <br />Commissioner Eggert questioned whether Monroe County had been investigated, and <br />Sheriff Wheeler advised that Monroe County is also housing Broward County prisoners. <br />Commissioner Eggert did not have a problem with the Sheriff investigating other <br />counties but felt that releasing the estimated excess from the Federal prisoners was <br />premature. <br />Commissioner Adams wanted to know what the alternative plan was should the <br />shortfall continue, and Sheriff Wheeler stated that he has a priority list, with the aviation <br />program being number one and automobiles being number two. If shortfalls continue they <br />will be a capital item. <br />Commissioner Adams was concerned that capital, which was the major problem at <br />the department when Sheriff Wheeler came to the department, would get put on the back <br />burner. <br />Commissioner Macht questioned whether SheriffWheeler is happy with the benefits <br />of the aviation program. <br />Sheriff Wheeler felt that program has been an unqualified success to date. One of the <br />biggest drawbacks is that they only have one pilot who works 40 hours a week which means <br />that St. Lucie County's helicopter must occasionally be requested. He cited several incidents <br />where the helicopter had already greatly contributed to apprehension of suspects. <br />MOTION was made by Commissioner Eggert, <br />SECONDED by Commissioner Macht, that the <br />Board approve the Sheriff's request to seek <br />alternative sources to fund a portion of the Sheriff's <br />Fiscal Year 1997-98 Operating Budget, as set forth <br />in the Sheriff's letter. <br />FEBRUARY 10, 1998 <br />—36- <br />• 41 <br />