[The sheriff and County Commission of Bradley County, TN are in a standoff over the sheriff's request for more funds for fuel and vehicle maintenance. Although the sheriff requested more money for fuel in the 2007-2008 budget, it was funded the same as the previous year, and now he's out of money with four months remaining in the fiscal year.

The numbered options are from a report prepared by the sheriff. This is excerpted from a longer article by Larry C. Bowers. -Ed.]

"No. 1 — Reduce zone car patrols from two to one and place two deputies in each car.

"No. 2 — Pull School Resource Officers from schools, park their cars and double-up patrol units.

"No. 3 — Stop serving (or reduce serving) outstanding criminal and civil warrants, stop issuing (or reduce issuing) citations, make fewer arrests and transport/pick-up fewer inmates.

"No. 4 — Reduce fleet size, pool vehicles for all Bradley County Sheriff’s Office operations and eliminate law enforcement’s take-home vehicle policy.

"Each of Sheriff Gobble’s options were followed with (his opinion of) the possible impact of initiating any of these actions.

"These anticipated "results" include longer emergency response times, fewer patrol cars in zones, an increase of crime and violence in schools, endangerment to school children and teachers, increased crime in the community and on the streets and a less efficient organization which will be significantly hampered in meeting statutory obligations."

[Commissioners'] "suggestions included the parking of patrol cars in designated high-crime areas for 15 minutes of every hour.

"Commissioner Mark Hall, also a Finance Committee member, suggested county vehicles be eliminated from patrolling Interstate 75.

"Commissioners then discussed the possibility of finding additional funds available in other budget line items (to use for fuel). Day [Sheriff's Office Financial Officer] assured the county officials she has reviewed all line items. She said there could be a little money in the Corrections budget (perhaps in utilities and food)."

Photo credit: Virginia