Sheriff and commissioners spar over funding requests

By Michael Williamson, Richwood Gazette

All budget discussions are negotiations and next year’s sheriff’s office budget is no different.

Union County Sheriff Mike Justice told the county commissioners last week that his requested increase to the department’s 2026 budget is about ensuring community safety.

Justice outlined his plans for 2026, which include some personnel and equipment requests. All of those items will add $1.8 million more in appropriations than last year. The 2026 requests will have an overall budget amount of $13.2 million, according to his budget memo, but with leftover funds from 2025 and unfilled position reimbursements, he said there will be revenue making the general f…

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