Another reason why the local ecomony is in the tank.

Well, everything else is opinion, but that is fact, the Sheriff has to have his budget approved by the Mayor, you didn't know that? It is then submitted to the council. Sheriff's budget is done on the calendar, rather than fiscal, year, so it is usually done the middle of December. Long time ago, it had to be approved by the Chief Judge, but that was changed to the County Judge Exec. When merger happened, the responsibility then migrated to the Mayor. Silly, I know, but he also approves the County Clerk and the County Attorney, I think. (Worked for the Sheriff for five years, trust me on that one, I can find the statute if need be, though.

So, the Mayor does have some fiscal control of the sheriff.

Eddie M.