Yates tables new drug officer position

YATES COUNTY--Following two lengthy discussions about the possibility of adding a drug investigator position in the sheriff's office, the Yates County Legislature decided they need more time. These talks occurred Monday, Feb. 8, during the regular session of the legislature, as well as Wednesday, Feb. 3, during the public safety committee meeting. The legislature decided Monday they would need more details on where they will find the money to fund this position.
Much of this discussion stems from the ongoing issue with heroin and drug use in the community. Sheriff Ron Spike said his department is doing the best it can with drug investigations using its current staff at the public safety committee meeting. However, he added they used to have a drug investigator position that was cut a few years ago by the legislature in an effort to reduce its impact on the tax levy. Spike has previously noted during community heroin forums that a drug investigator would be able to solely focus on drug cases to combat the issue.
Legislator Dan Banach made the motion during committee to bring this position to vote during Monday's meeting. The motion was seconded by Legislator Bonnie Percy. Both noted there was a public outcry for this position at the Dundee heroin forum, also adding it was one of the first proposed legislative actions listed by members of the Yates Substance Abuse Coalition during their presentation Monday.
However, other legislators expressed concerns with the cost of the position. Legislator Doug Paddock said this will be an ongoing cost with the county over several years, with Legislator Elden Morrison saying he has heard estimates between $250,000 and $300,000 for three years. Morrison noted at a time where there is a very tight state tax cap, the fiber network infrastructure project being worked on and declining sales tax revenues across the state, he is not sure where the money for this position will come from. Legislator Edward Bronson also questioned the sustainability of the position in the next three to five years.
Other legislators cited Spike, who said "We can never arrest our way out of it," adding the money may better be spent in other ways. Legislator Gary Montgomery said while drugs are a hot issue in the county, he is not sure this is the proper way to spend the money.
"No matter what we wish, this is not going to go away," Banach said. "[...] Let's solve the issue in Yates County."
Legislator Leslie Church introduced the motion to table the measure for further discussion, noting she is willing to support it, but is on the fence when it comes to funding. The motion to table was then approved with eight votes in favor and five against.