Sheriff Brown Suggests Restructuring Department To Combat Budget Deficit

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Sheriff Bill Brown spoke at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisor’s second day of budget workshops on Wednesday.

He says the department is facing a $5 million deficit out of the county’s overall $70 million shortfall.

The department’s presentation showed the deficit will lead to the loss of 30 positions, 12 of them licensed officers of law enforcement, among several other civilian positions.

He predicts the effects of these losses will include delayed response times and an overall decrease in public safety.

To combat these losses as well as its continued overtime challenges, the department is considering other restructuring efforts including the relocation of certain offices like administration and computer systems.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.