Vision Requires Action: Initiating a Financial Audit of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

Vision Requires Action: Initiating a Financial Audit of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office 

As your next Sheriff for Deschutes County, I believe in transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management. Managing a $65.8 million budget requires experience, knowledge, and an eye for detail.  

It is clear from recent reports that the Sheriff's Office has faced significant financial challenges and lacked oversight. Overestimating funds by more than $2 million at the beginning of last year, combined with a steady decline in budget reserves since the end of 2020, raises serious concerns about Sheriff's Office operations' fiscal health and sustainability. It is unsustainable, and people ask, "Where is the money going." 

Why a Financial Audit is Necessary 

According to county records, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office experienced a shortfall due to changes in county payroll procedures and earlier-than-expected payments for pre-ordered vehicles. Other news stories question the need and purpose of extraordinary purchases not usually seen or used in law enforcement. As an example, this is like going to Costco to buy milk and toilet paper, only to leave with a 12-foot-tall plush teddy bear and a 75 lbs block of cheese.  

These kinds of discrepancies must be investigated thoroughly to ensure there is no repeat of such financial missteps.  

The increasing costs in overtime spending are equally concerning; for example, overtime pay among sworn officers has increased by more than $947,000 since 2019, with some deputies earning substantial amounts in overtime alone. This trend raises questions about staffing levels, resource allocation, and overall efficiency in managing personnel. This makes me equally concerned about the burn-out of deputies and that the Sheriff's Office continues to suffer from staffing shortfalls.  

Previously, the Sheriff's Office saw an increase in budget reserves, climbing from $14.873 million at the beginning of 2019 to $18.8 million at the end of 2020. However, these reserves have consistently declined yearly since then, falling to $13.117 million at the end of 2023. Given these challenges, the office requested the County Commissioners to increase tax rates to the maximum level for districts supporting the Sheriff's Office. This request, which was granted, will result in higher property taxes. 

Taking Action: The Path Forward 

To restore public confidence, I will take immediate action. As your next Sheriff, my first step would be to initiate a comprehensive financial audit of the Sheriff's Office by a qualified unaffiliated firm. This audit will examine all spending, budget allocations, and financial procedures to identify inefficiencies, waste, and areas where funds could be better utilized. It would provide a clear, unbiased view of the Sheriff's Office's financial situation and offer the transparency the public deserves. 

I will ensure that every dollar is spent wisely, whether it's hiring the best and brightest public safety professionals, leading our current employees to the next level, 24/7 medical and behavioral health professionals in the jail, supporting the Deschutes County Stabilization Center, or implementing new deflection and homeless programs.  

Vision Requires Action 

Vision without action is merely a dream. For too long, DCSO leadership relied on reactive measures rather than proactive planning. The financial challenges faced by the Sheriff's Office are not insurmountable, but they require decisive leadership and immediate action. An audit will provide the necessary clarity on our current financial standing and serve as the foundation for rebuilding trust with the community and ensuring we have the resources needed to effectively serve and protect Deschutes County. 

Undoubtedly, spending and budget reductions are necessary to address the fiscal imbalances, optimize resource allocation, and ensure the long-term financial stability of the Sheriff's Office. These proposed reductions resulted from factors such as the economic downturn, declining revenue, or the need to reallocate funds to more critical areas. The lack of response is concerning and evident.  

As your next Sheriff, I will apply my experience with managing budgets, capital management, business education, and experience in government. My intervention may avoid reducing services, personnel layoffs, or the scaling back of programs. I will critically assess DCSO operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and prioritize spending on essential services that deliver the most value to the public: Fighting crime, traffic, homelessness, and drugs in our community.  

With your vote on November 5th, we can address these financial concerns, strengthen our operations, and ensure a safer and more secure future for all residents.  

It's time to turn "vision" into reality. 

Kent Vander Kamp