NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. — Hancock County Commission members are working to close a more than $378,000 gap in the county budget before a state deadline later this month.
During a budget work session Friday afternoon, commissioners discussed possible cuts but left with more questions than answers as departments weigh how reductions could affect services.
Scott Gittings, sheriff of Hancock County, West Virginia, said his department had been asked to reduce its budget by 15 percent, on top of a 15 percent cut from the previous fiscal year.
Gittings and his chief deputy offered to reduce the department’s budget by five percent this year, warning that deeper cuts could lead to significant staffing issues. The sheriff said additional reductions could result in situations where only two deputies are available for patrol.
Gittings also warned that cutting two deputies assigned as school resource officers would leave school buildings without dedicated law enforcement protection.
Commissioners must submit the county’s finalized budget to the state by March 28.