El Paso County Officials Address Rising Overtime Costs for Sheriff's Office

During a recent special meeting, El Paso County Commissioners focused on the escalating overtime expenses incurred by the Sheriff's Office. County Judge Ricardo Samaniego highlighted the budgetary strain this increase places on county resources. Sheriff Oscar Ugarte emphasized the challenges faced by his department, citing years of neglect and insufficient personnel to meet community demands. Despite these hurdles, he reported a 14% decrease in crime since he took office, underscoring the dedication of his team. The conversation aims to find solutions to ensure the Sheriff's Office can effectively serve the growing community without compromising public safety.

Key Details: • County Commissioners discussed overtime costs for the Sheriff's Office during a special meeting. • Public safety sector spent 47% of its budget by February, largely due to overtime. • Sheriff Ugarte noted the need for more personnel to meet community demands. • A 14% decrease in crime reported since Sheriff Ugarte took office.