Sheriff returns $58,700 to the county from 2008-09

By John M. Ayers

Gilchrist County Sheriff Daniel Slaughter recently presented the Gilchrist County Commissioners with $58,700 in revenue that was remaining from the Sheriff’s Office 2008-09 operating budget.
Sheriff Slaughter presented the check to the county and thanked the board for working with him during these difficult financial times.
Sheriff Slaughter asked the five board members if they would consider providing the Sheriff’s Office with revenues in order to allow him to purchase two additional patrol vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office.
He told the board that the patrol vehicles cost $26,000 each which included the paint and decals, lights, and a sheriff’s radio.
The Commission asked the Sheriff how many patrol vehicles he had considered ordering from the budget request he made for the 2009-2010 year.
Sheriff Slaughter reported he had ordered five units at $26,000 each.
“I’ll take whatever help you can give us,” Sheriff Slaughter explained to the board.
Commissioner Tommy Langford made a motion to provide the sheriff with $52,000 for the department to purchase two additional patrol units this year.
Commissioner Kenrick Thomas agreed with a second for the board’s consideration.
The board approved the request by a unanimous vote.
Gilchrist County Administrator Ron McQueen asked the sheriff to please let him know if his department had any pickup trucks that they would be getting rid of this year. The county is in need of a used truck, McQueen further explained. Sheriff Slaughter said he would notify McQueen if one became available.