Supervisors have passed a $7.2-Billion budget that prioritizes public safety, as rising costs and low pay force deputies to leave.Sheriff Donny Youngblood says it’s been frustrating for his department, which has over 200 fewer deputies than just a few years ago. “It is a difficult time for all of us, it’s not fun, but these officers have been working under extreme conditions for several years without any type of cost of living raise.” Animal care and libraries will be funded at current levels, along with the fire department and mental health services.

Suzanne Grant