Hall announces he will seek another term

Sheriff Wendell Hall recently spoke to the Republican Club about innovative ways his department has coped with budget restraints during the last few years.

Hall said the economic downturn was something sheriff departments were dealing with all across the nation, but unlike other departments he wasn't asking for a budget increase.

"I have understood what economic times are and what hard times are, so we have adjusted," he said.

Sheriff's office employees have taken on more responsibilities to make up for a reduction is the work force. The department has 175 deputies, which is 21 positions short of the norm.

While most businesses slow down when the economy slows down, that isn't the case with crime. Hall said crime rates tend to increase, "but unfortunately there's not enough income from ad valorem tax to increase my budget."

For the complete story, see the Oct. 13 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.