WATE reported last week that high gas prices were forcing cutbacks at the Grainger County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff James Harville told reporter Kristyn Hentschell his fuel budget for the department is $80,000 a year and there’s only $10,000 left. It needs to last for three more months. The problem is, $10,000 is what it’s costing for one month’s worth of gas.
Consequently, Harville appeared before the county commission on Monday to request a budget increase.
According to Jim Zachary at the Grainger Today, not only did the commission deny his request, they offered up no suggestions as to how the Sheriff might handle the crisis.
Well, Harville could do mounted patrols – although I’m not sure two officers could cover 200 square miles on horseback. Then, there’s the issue of how to handle a high-speed chase, manage the uh – road rocks, not to mention, the horses must be fed and hay has been in short supply.
So.. what’s left? Bike Cops? Corn-Oil Cruisers?
That’s extremely interesting. I bet they are not the only department facing this issue. I suppose if they had a police helicopter this would be the time to get rid of it, but I don’t think they have one.