Sheriff's 2027 Budget Rises 8.5% Despite 13% Cut Mandate

Lucas County officials have a deadline of December 31 to finalize the 2026 budget, a process that has stalled over questions regarding how much the county actually earns from its townships.

Sheriff Mike Navarre presented a plan that sees his department's spending increase by 8.5% for 2027. This rise occurred despite commissioners ordering all departments to reduce their budgets by 13%. The sheriff eliminated 20 positions to meet the mandate, but the final figure still grew because of wage increases approved last year.

Navarre stated that Monclova and Springfield townships will pay nearly $3.3 million in 2027 for extra services beyond the baseline required by Ohio law. He argued that these fees would fully cover the added cost of personnel and wages for those specific areas.

Commissioners and their staffs disagree with that assessment. They believe the projected revenue is insufficient and that the county general fund will have to absorb the shortfall. This is a pressing concern given the current tightness of the overall budget.

Commissioner Anita Lopez suggested the county could negotiate for higher payments. She told the sheriff there was an opportunity to secure more revenue through the existing township contracts. Navarre defended his numbers, noting that the new agreements would reimburse the county for estimated 2027 wages in both townships.

The debate centers on whether the current contract terms provide enough protection for the county or if the sheriff's department will still require supplemental funding from general taxpayers.