Coming in $7.2 million lower than the current budget, Collier County Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk's proposed budget for 2011 maximizes efficiency without compromising public safety.
The $136,054,900 proposal represents a 5 percent budget reduction from the current $143 million budget.
Since the Collier County Sheriff’s Office budget culminated in 2008 at $152,672,000, it has been reduced by 11 percent.
Sheriff Rambosk said he remains committed to making the best possible use of every tax dollar.
“All of us have felt the effects of the economic downturn,” said Sheriff Rambosk. “Ultimately, any dollar savings we can realize is a direct savings to our residents.”
Sheriff Rambosk said several factors made the 2011 budget reduction possible:
• An early separation package and a decision not to back-fill those positions
• Consolidating and combining functions
• Continued reductions in the size of the CCSO fleet
• A smaller jail population due in part to CCSO’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that identifies and removes criminal illegal aliens from the community
• The removal of all capital expenses
• The use of creative scheduling to minimize overtime
• The ongoing hard work and commitment of the CCSO staff
Sheriff Rambosk added that CCSO currently has 155 vacant and unfunded positions due to attrition and voluntary separation packages offered in both 2009 and 2010.
He cautioned that while current staffing levels do not negatively affect public safety, unforeseeable circumstances may make it necessary to fill some positions that are currently vacant. For example, should the jail population rise significantly it would become necessary to add more Corrections staff.
“Our deputies recognize the devastating impact this economy has had on our residents. They are working hard not only to keep everyone safe, but also to maintain an effective organization,” Sheriff Rambosk said.
