Sheriff’s office may face staff cuts as fed funds dry up

Burnet County Sheriff's Office administrators will contend with potential staff cuts as federal and state funding deadlines and funding limits approach.

Officials shared the information, during the Burnet County Commissioners Court meeting June 11 in Burnet at the County Courthouse, 220 S. Pierce.

County Judge James Oakley mentioned American Rescue Plan Act 2021 funding is expected to end this December, which could affect the status of a dozen or more sheriff's office employees.

The judge added, the Texas Senate approved recently restraints on state spending, w h i c h could af fect county grant funds.

During his department update, Chief Deputy Alan Trevino re-minded the commissioners a grant for one of two sheriff's office mental health deputies is set to expire after Fiscal Year 2025 begins Oct. 1. "That is a blow," Oakley said. Moreover, health care premiums for county employees are scheduled to increase by about 7% during upcoming months, County Auditor Karin Smith said.