Sheriff officials say the figure reflects how the county intentionally structures the department’s budget rather than simply unexpected overspending.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department finished the most recent fiscal year nearly $29 million above its original budget, according to county year-end budget reports reviewed by Voice of OC.
The department has finished a combined roughly $77 million above its initial budgets over the last three years, according to the report.
Sheriff’s officials dispute describing the figures simply as overruns. Brian Wayt, executive director of the department’s administrative services command, said the county CEO’s office begins the year by funding the department below its anticipated needs, requiring officials to return to the Board of Supervisors for additional appropriations.
County finance records cited several factors in the latest year, including lower-than-budgeted realignment revenue and higher expenditures for IT services, inmate meals, uniforms and safety clothing.
Sources
Voice of OC; Orange County year-end budget reports.
