THE CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION HAS PASSED A 2007-2008 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET, BUT IT COULD COST COUNTY RESIDENTS THEIR SAFETY. THAT ACCORDING TO SHERIFF CHRIS MATHES. THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE ABOUT FOUR MILLION DOLLARS IN THE NEW SPENDING PLAN BUT MATHES IS FEARING IT WON’T BE ENOUGH. THE GOOD NEWS IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE WILL REMAIN THE SAME AND COUNTY EMPLOYEES WILL GET A TWO PERCENT RAISE. SHERIFF MATHES SAYS HE NEEDS MORE PATROL OFFICERS, AND THE ADDITIONAL 18-THOUSAND DOLLARS WON’T BE ENOUGH. HE FEELS HE’LL HAVE TO PARK SOME CRUISERS NEXT YEAR IF SOMETHING DOESN’T CHANGE….
CART…..
THE SHERIFF ALSO SAYS HE WON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO RUN THE COUNTY’S WORK RELEASE PROGRAM WHICH BRINGS IN ABOUT 70-THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THE COUNTY EACH YEAR.