Fresno County Budget Vote

6/20/2008 Fresno, CA Sherriff Margaret Mims asked for nearly $11-million dollars for next year, but County Supervisor's could only give her $9.8-million dollars. They told Mims her department's overtime was "out of control."

Mims said without the money for extra staff, there could be layoffs, "I will thank you for the money that you did give me, however, it's not going to avoid layoffs this year. We're gonna go back now based on our final number and work hard at meeting our budget, because I will not overspend my appropriations."

Currently 600 jobs are vacant. The supervisor's plan is to suspend hiring half the jobs and eliminate the others.

Funding will go to probationary programs, behavioral sciences and the Sheriff's Department.