May 25, 2013
Several Wiregrass officials are talking about consolidating their law enforcement agencies into one department under the Geneva County Sheriff's Department. But the idea is not without controversy.
Sheriff Greg Ward has concerns that he won't have the financing for an adequate staff. He would lose nearly 40 percent of his budget if two government grants expire at the end of next year.
District One Geneva County Commissioner Larry Everett believes he has a solution -- consolidation. He would like to see all the county police agencies placed under the sheriff's department. Everett said it would lead to better protection, and save taxpayer dollars.
Slocomb Police Chief Lamar Snell does not see how consolidation will help. He believes it will lead to the termination of police department personnel.
Consolidation is just an idea that is being looked at, no decision has been made.
