Lucas County Sheriff's 2027 Budget Rises 8.5% Despite Cuts

Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre proposed an 8.5% budget increase for 2027 despite eliminating 20 positions, a move that drew scrutiny from commissioners reviewing Tuesday's fiscal plans. The proposed growth contradicts the 13% reduction requested of all county departments earlier in the year.

Navarre attributed the rise primarily to wage increases approved by commissioners last year. He stated that new contracts with Monclova and Springfield townships would generate nearly $3.3 million in revenue. These agreements pay for additional sheriff's department patrols and responses beyond the baseline emergency service required by Ohio law.

Commissioners and staff doubt the projected $3.3 million will cover the full cost of those extra services. They indicated the county general fund may need to absorb the difference, a concern given the current tightness of the overall budget. While Navarre defended the numbers, the board has questioned the specific terms of the township arrangements.

Navarre argued the 2027 contract structure adequately covers the added services. He noted the new agreements would reimburse the county for personnel costs, including estimated 2027 wages, in both townships. "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 suggested the department could negotiate for higher revenue from those contracts. "There is an opportunity for you to negotiate more revenue to increase your budget through this township contracts," Lopez said. The county must submit its final budget before the end of the year.