Sheriff seeks new levy

Last updated 1/30/2001 at Noon

Voters will decide on March 13 whether to continue paying for sheriff's services.

Sheriff Les Stiles told the Sisters City Council on Thursday, February 1, that he is "optimistic" that voters will approve the three-year operating levy, which does not increase the rate from the current levy, which expires on June 30.

The levy carries a split rate: residents of incorporated urban areas will pay 78 centers per $1,000 of assessed valuation and rural residents pay $1.12 per $1,000.

"It's the same rate that was passed in 1998 and I think we can run for three years on that rate," Stiles said. "I think we can pass it. I'm going to think optimistic."

The sheriff's office has not filled numerous vacancies and Stiles believes he can cut patrol vehicle costs significantly. pooling cars and changing shift structures.

Stiles announced that a lawsuit over overtime compensation against the county has been dropped, clearing the way to move to a "4/12" shift structure, where deputies work four 12 hour shifts and then have four days off.

Stiles acknowledged that there is an up front cost in 5 to 6 percent salary increase, but he contends that the shifts are more efficient, better for deputies and offer better coverage around the clock.

The sheriff also told the council he hopes to see the legislature pass law allowing a permanent tax base with a split rate. There is currently some question whether a split rate in a tax district is constitutional, though there are Oregon tax districts that have the split rate.

A permanent tax district would create stable funding for the sheriff's office, allowing long-term planning and eliminating the distraction of having to campaign for a levy every three years.

Perhaps the most significant benefit, according to Stiles, is the impact on turnover.

The sheriff said that deputies' uncertainty about whether they'll have a job after each election cycle makes them vulnerable to recruitment by other agencies with more stability.

It costs taxpayers $100,000 to replace a deputy, Stiles told the council.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.