PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw is requesting a 6 percent in a proposed budget submitted to county commissioners.
The $703 million budget is needed, the sheriff says because of the county’s growing population and, “the increased law enforcement demands,” that come with it.
“Six percent, that's about normal,” says John Kazanjian, president of the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association.
Cited in the budget proposal are expected increases in operational costs of 8.7 percent and personal services of 3.8 percent.
The sheriff's office says 70 percent of the department’s budget goes into law enforcement and 25 percent is dedicated to running the jail.
The suggested budget also includes spending $75 million over five years to replace old vehicles and another $25 million for new technology.
Kazanjian also expects to negotiate for a cost of living raise for personnel.
“Wages and equipment, wages first then equipment and vehicles,” Kazanjian says.