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WKBW ABC-7
Apr 26, 2006 - Too many inmates, and not enough deputies to watch them. It adds up to overtime and this years cost will likely go up again. The Erie County Executive estimates 12 million dollars and suspects abuse. "We've been told that there are ways that the deputies can take time off in shift and you know back and forth and run the cost of overtime up for the purpose of higher retirement and benefits." said Joel Giambra. "You take the 12 hours off who ever covers that 12 hours off puts it in for comp time the 12 hours becomes 12 and a half so it becomes 18." said Erie County Sheriff Howard. Sheriff Howard is well aware of the problem and welcomes an audit. He says former Comptroller Nancy Naples looked into the same issue 2 years ago. Another audit will only show the same thing. No staff means overtime is required to meet state mandates. "If everyone came to work we don't have enough people here to staff the required number of posts without keeping someone on overtime. " said Sheriff Howard. Giambra asked for an audit back in March, but it is unlikely. The Comptroller is now involved in 3 other audits with only 5 auditors and he has the same problem as the sheriff. "Truthfully my office has a whole laundry list of items that we'd like to audit.. I just don't technically don't have the staff to be able to do that nor the time"s aid Comptroller Mark Poloncarz. The Sheriff and the County Executive agree, something needs to be done, they just disagree on what. "If something we have to do Steve.. It's a major cost center. It's a major cost of the county's budgetary problems. The holding center is a major issue for us financially." said Giambra. " No more time to study. It's time for action." said Sheriff Howard.Copyright WKBW-TV, 2006 |
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