After a series of layoffs, and the shutdown of jail floors, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says next year's budget shortfall could put the county at an even higher risk.
On Friday, Sheriff Mims delivered a preliminary draft budget proposal to the County's Chief Administrative Officer.
The document cites a $17.4 million shortfall, which could mean laying off 10 professional staff, 21 correctional officers and more than 100 deputy sheriffs.
"These cuts would be devastating to public safety and we just have to say no more cuts. There can't be any more cuts," Mims said.
Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea thinks the sheriff's budget shortfall may be closer to $11 million. To avoid layoffs, he says the board will work with Mims and find others areas to cut.
"Maybe it's time to look at other county operations and say, do we need to cut those beyond where they're cut now and make tougher decisions whether its travel throughout the county, training budgets. You just need to scrap," Perea said.
Perea strongly opposes any layoffs, as does Sheriff Mims. Both sides admit though, figuring out how to save jobs will be a challenge.
"There are no easy answers and all of the decisions are very difficult decisions to make, but the sign of the times, there's problems everywhere with the economy, including law enforcement," Sheriff Mims said.
"Are we going to have every dime that we need to close the budget gap? The answer is no. But, can we make other choices and find other revenues that we can help her with? Probably," Perea said.
Perea says its likely several county departments will see more cuts. Next fiscal year starts on July first. The Sheriff's Budget needs final approval by the end of June.