Sheriff points to increased costs in push for new tax

Washington Parish Sheriff Robert Crowe says if his proposed 1/2-cent sales tax increase doesn’t pass he would be forced to  make “unwanted cuts,” which could include the DARE and TRIAD programs,  patrolmen, investigators, the drug task force, the street crimes division  and administrative staff.

If that happens, the sheriff’s office would not be able to improve and move forward as he would like, nor would it be able to maintain its current level of service, he said.

Voters will decide on Oct. 17 whether to pass the tax that would equal one penny for every $2 spent in the parish.

Crowe said the WPSO has grown “phenomenally” over the past 17 years since its current 1/2-cent sales tax was passed. That growth and inflation have contributed largely to the “financial stress” now facing his office, he said.

Every department within the sheriff’s office has increased its staff size to support an elevated need for services, he said.

For example, in 1992 each shift included two patrol deputies; now there are six per shift. An increased arrest rate has prompted the need for additional jailers. And advancing technology has necessitated the need for a full-time employee dedicated to information technology.

“The cost of doing business is killing us,” Crowe said.

In a press release, he offers the following examples of “high dollar costs facing the sheriff’s office” to “show a small picture of cost inflation over the last 17 years.”

“First, there have been increases in payroll costs,” it says. “In 1992 the sheriff’s office average pay rate was approximately $5.65 per hour.  Today, the average pay rate is $11 per hour. The health insurance premium, which is mandatorily required to be paid by the sheriff’s office, was $151 per employee in 1992 compared to the current premium amount of $400 per employee.  The match paid for by the sheriff’s office to the Pension Plan has increased from 5 percent in 1992 to 11 percent in 2009, which is also mandated to be paid by the sheriff’s office in lieu of social security benefits.  Finally, as the number of employees has increased, so have the costs of uniforms, bonding insurance and risk management insurance coverage.”

The expense of maintaining the WPSO fleet has also skyrocketed, wrote Crowe.

“Second, the need for more patrol and investigative teams has caused the vehicle fleet to increase, thereby causing fuel and maintenance costs to increase,” according to the release. “In 1992, the fuel cost per gallon was 92 cents compared to the current and ever-changing rate of $2.47. Looking at this in annual terms, the estimated fuel cost in 1992 was $85,000 compared to the current annual cost of $237,000.  Additionally, due to the revenue constraints facing the sheriff’s office presently and in the past, the ability to purchase brand new vehicles has been impossible.  Therefore, the maintenance costs associated with purchasing used vehicles has been a major factor also.”

Jail costs have also risen.

“Third, as the arrest rate has risen, the number of prisoners held in the jail has increased,” wrote Crowe. “The rate of reimbursement from the parish has not increased and remains at $3.50 per inmate per day.  The cost of food has drastically increased over the last 17 years yet the reimbursement has not.  Just as another small example, a loaf of bread in 1992 cost 75-cents where presently it averages $2.50.  Additionally, with the rising costs of prescription drugs and doctor bills, the inmate medical expenses have significantly increased.”

And finally, technology helps, but somebody has to foot the bill.

“Fourth, due to the rise in the technology usage in our day-to-day operations  it is important to take into consideration that the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office utilizes over 54 computer systems and various support Equipment,” according to the release. “In comparison, in 1992 the sheriff’s office only had two computer systems.  This increase in equipment has allowed my office to track crime in real time, track deputies’ movements, a more effective call management system, and a higher level of accountability.  It is imperative that we continue to stay current with new technology to maintain the level of service we are currently providing.”