SACRAMENTO, CA - The first day of budget hearings for Sacramento County brought dire warnings from public safety officials.
"This county, this jurisdiction will not be what it has been historically if these cuts are implemented," said Sheriff John McGinness.
The sheriff's department is facing $37.6 million in budget cuts. McGinness said it could mean the layoff of 250 to 255 employees.
McGinness told the Board of Supervisors that he currently has 226 officers who handle patrols.
If his department implements the county budget proposal, McGinness said he may have to eliminate them along with others who handle investigations
"You can take it and the public can't take it," McGinness said. "You would effectively have what is operationally the fifth-largest city in the state of California without patrol services."
Another option would be laying off deputies who guard prisoners at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center. But McGinness said if the center closes, it would mean letting prisoners go free.
"We can't take it," McGinness declared. "You can take it and the public can't take it."
Sacramento County Probation Association President Greg Stuber said a $25.9 million cut to his department would mean no one is watching 21,000 adults on probation.
"We would be the only county in the state of California without adult field services," Stuber said.
Stuber said people on probation have been convicted of a variety of crimes including robbery, sexual assault, manslaughter and arson.
The Boys Ranch, which houses juvenile offenders, would have to shut down accrding to Stuber. He said young inmates would have to be sent to juvenile hall. But he believes it would become overcrowded and judges would either send inmates to facilities in other states or set them free.
With young offenders roaming the streets, Stuber said, "You're going to have more crimes and more violence. It will be unsafe. The safety net for public safety will be completely destroyed."
Sacramento County is facing a $181 million dollar deficit. Officials say 725 jobs could be eliminated.
Budget hearings continue before the Board of Supervisors Tuesday.
By Karen Massie kmassie@news10.net
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