Rivera wants four new sheriff’s deputies

March 19, 2009

Sheriff Rene Rivera asked the Valencia County Commission at last night’s commission meeting for four new sheriff’s deputies.

The request comes after previous discussions between Rivera and the commission about improving the Sheriff’s Department’s coverage in the county.

“Each officer will be in a certain area only,” Rivera explained, “and that’s the only area they will be patrolling.”

Rivera said the deputies would be assigned to Meadow Lake, El Cerro Mission, Rio Communities/Jarales, and Highland Meadows. He said the original request the commission debated was for three new deputies, but to have proper coverage, he needs four.

The commissioners, who have been tip-toeing through expenditures because of the economy and declining revenue, were quick to question whether or not the county had the money for four deputies.

Rivera said five deputies would cost the county $222,000 per year in salary and benefits, with each getting $53,000 a year. That number does not include the cost of new guns and uniforms.

“I still don’t know where we’re going to get the money to pay for these,” Commissioner Georgia Otero-Kirkham said.

Commission David Medina said he’d like to see the commission debate the issue along with the new budget. Meetings to discuss the coming fiscal year’s budget should begin next week.

“I don’t feel, right now, the county has that much money,” Medina said, adding that the commission might be able to find money during budget discussions.

All of the commissioners said they understand the importance of law enforcement and the need for better coverage throughout the county. Otero-Kirkham said some citizens “are furious. They’re scared, and they are in jeapardy on a daily basis,” because of crime.

Commission Chairman Pedro Rael recommended tabling the matter, but Commissioner Ron Gentry said he would prefer it not be tabled. He made a motion that the issue be discussed as a part of budget proceedings, which the commission voted unanimously to do.

Rivera seemed satisfied with that, saying, “We need law enforcement to be a priority in Valencia County.” He added that his department needed to “grow with the growth of the county.”

Posted in: Archive