Lucas County Commissioners Question Sheriff's Township Policing Charges

Lucas County commissioners challenged the sheriff's proposed policing rates for two townships during Tuesday's budget review.

Sheriff Mike Navarre told commissioners that Monclova and Springfield townships will collectively pay nearly $3.3 million in 2027 for sheriff's department response and patrols. Ohio law requires sheriffs to "preserve public peace," and townships and cities without their own police forces rely on deputies for emergency response. Commissioners and their staff said the sheriff's rates will not cover the cost of that service, leaving the county general fund to absorb the difference.

Commissioners directed each county department to cut 13% from its budget. The sheriff's office eliminated 20 positions, but the budget still rose 8.5%, a figure Navarre attributed partly to wage increases commissioners approved last year. "I believe the contracts with Monclova and Springfield, especially with the way they are structured for 2027, would adequately cover the additional added service that they are receiving in addition to the statutory obligation," Navarre said. Commissioner Anita Lopez pressed the sheriff on the pricing: "There is an opportunity for you to negotiate more revenue to increase your budget through this township contracts." Navarre responded that "the new contracts will compensate Lucas County for the personnel costs in both Springfield and Monclova including 2027 estimated wages."

The county must submit its final budget by the end of the year.