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Assistant County Administrator Joe Baird commented that effective October 11 the <br />county will enter a new budget year and the match for these funds has been included in the <br />budget for next year. <br />Chairman Adams questioned whether any sworn officers obtained through these grant <br />funds have been moved to other positions, and Sheriff Wheeler responded that the grant <br />positions have remained as is. <br />Chairman Adams felt that some of the COPE programs are great but she has heard <br />some complaints that the officers are not as visible as patrol officers. <br />Sheriff Wheeler noted that the COPE officers are more flexible and interact with the <br />community more. These are not officers assigned to the commercial areas and the only <br />manned office other than the main office is the one at the Indian River Mall which is manned <br />with volunteers. The Gifford office has moved 3 times and the neighborhoods are all <br />supplied with pager numbers and cell phone numbers for the officers. <br />Commissioner Tippin commented that he would support the motion but warned that <br />there would be specific questions during the budget workshops, especially with regard to <br />$507 for a Beretta, $46 for a flashlight and $65 for a hat. <br />Commissioner Macht support the motion but wanted to know the exact number of <br />sworn officers per thousand citizens and wanted to see the Sheriff s master plan. He felt that <br />the COPE officers are very good but he also had heard complaints from community leaders. <br />Reverend Henry Burson, 4545 38h Avenue, Northside Church of God Agape <br />Ministries, believed that the Sheriff is trying to work with the community and expressed his <br />appreciation to the Board for putting new officers on the streets. <br />MAY 099 2000 <br />-27- BOOK 113 FAGE -1 <br />