Sheriffs talk levy, budget at forum

Whichever candidate is voted into the position of sheriff this fall, he will have his hands full trying to run the department, while navigating a budget that seems to be full of shortfalls. This year, the sheriff's budget saw a deficit of $149,000, which in years past has been made up using other county funds that are no longer available.

On Wednesday, at a candidate forum, the three individuals running for sheriff had the opportunity to voice what they think they can do for the department and the county. One of the biggest concerns facing the department currently is what is going to happen if the public safety levy fails to pass on June 8.

Hugh Hopwood has said that if the levy fails he may be forced to cut two deputies as well as a dispatcher. If two positions were cut, the sheriff's department would drop down to a four man department making it impossible for the sheriff to provide the coverage to the county that is needed.

Republican candidate Mike Johnson said that he would run the department to the best of his ability with resources given to him by the commissioners, saying that "until we get to that point, I'm not sure anybody would know what they're going to do."

Tim Vulles, democrat, said that he the sheriff and undersheriff would become working personnel within the department. He suggested instituting two volunteer programs: Citizens on Patrol and one that utilizes retired police officer. While these individuals would not have the ability to act on any instance, they would serve as deterrents. Republican candidate Ernie Ornelas said that as much as he'd hate to, he would bring a lawsuit against the county.

"I might have to take the county to court to ensure that I can perform my duties as mandated by Montana law," Ornelas said. "I'd hate to do it, but if that's what I needed to do to protect the citizens, I would take that course of action."

While no candidates discussed how they would vote on the levy, Johnson admitted that he felt torn as to how to vote. He admitted that he felt "blackmailed" by the commissioners in that they are seemingly only giving the pubic two options: pass the levy or lose two officers.

"When the moment comes to punch the card how will I vote? I'm not sure yet. Do I vote as a police officer or property owner?" Johnson said.

Ornelas said that even if the levy fails, it should not automatically mean that the department would lose two officers. He said that other means should be sought out first. Vulles, as well as the other two, admitted that four officers would not be enough.

"Nobody wants to pay more taxes," Vulles said. "But if that's the only thing we can do, you have to have bodies on street or public won't be safe."

Johnson painted a bleak picture for the department and the county should the department drop down to a four-man department.

"Mineral County won't be a place you want to live," Johnson said, adding that the department would become more of a reactive department and would be forced to respond to the most serious of calls.

Voters will have their say on whether the 25 mill levy will pass on June 8. The requested levy from the commissioners would provide $219,000 and 100 percent of the funds would go to the sheriff's budget.

Hopwood has said before that these funds that are being requested are simply going to be used to allow the department to get by while the commissioners pursue other options.