Following a number of high-profile issues at county sheriff’s workplaces, Home and Senate’s finances writers say they’ll maintain off on approving the departments’ request for a whole bunch of hundreds of thousands in funding pending an investigation.
Home Methods and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz and his counterpart from the Senate, Sen. Michael Rodrigues, stated Tuesday that they’ll fund a few of the departments’ asks, however won’t cowl a $162 million gap of their working budgets within the state’s fiscal 2025 closeout spending plan and can as a substitute search a assessment by the State Inspector Common
“Over the past few months, serious questions and concerns have been raised about the financial and operational integrity of our sheriffs’ offices across the Commonwealth. As we work to maintain fiscal stability, live within our means, and responsibly close the books on Fiscal Year 2025, it is clear that the Legislature must act to rein in questionable spending practices and restore public confidence in the sheriffs’ operations,” they pair of lawmakers stated in a joint assertion.
In line with Michlewitz and Rodrigues, $14 million to cowl alcohol and substance use remedy packages performed by the county sheriffs ought to nonetheless be funded, and so too ought to $12.5 million wanted to pay for a program that covers the price of prisoners’ telephone calls, however the remaining funding requests from sheriffs might want to wait “until a thorough review can be completed.”
The proposed shut out finances invoice may even direct the Inspector Common to finish a assessment of sheriffs’ spending practices and a long-term fiscal evaluation by Feb. 27, 2026.
“We will continue to explore further steps to ensure appropriate oversight, achieve cost containment, and keep sheriffs’ offices on a more sustainable fiscal path in the months and years ahead,” the lawmakers stated of their joint assertion.
The choice to withhold funding from the sheriff’s workplaces comes following the arrest and resignation of Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins, allegations of marketing campaign finance violations out of Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott marketing campaign, the arrest of Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi on drunk driving costs. It additionally follows Herald deep-dives into state bank card spending on the sheriffs’ workplaces.
The IG’s workplace, noting the finances invoice calling for them to analyze the state’s county sheriffs has not but handed, declined remark.
Gov. Maura Healey’s workplace wouldn’t touch upon the lawmakers’ choice, and her spokesperson as a substitute supplied the workplace’s frequent chorus that Healey will “carefully review any legislation that reaches her desk.”
The Massachusetts Sheriffs Affiliation stated in a press release that they and sheriffs throughout the state respect and perceive the Legislature’s responsibility as stewards of the taxpayer greenback, and stated that its a sentiment they share. The group’s spokesperson defended the work they do and likewise stated they invite no matter scrutiny is critical to keep up the general public’s belief.
“For years, the Sheriffs have invested in evidence-based programs that make Massachusetts a national leader in corrections and rehabilitation—especially when it comes to saving lives and improving health outcomes. These are proven, responsible investments in public safety and community well-being. We welcome any review that strengthens public confidence and supports our continued focus on operating safe, efficient facilities that help people rebuild their lives,” they stated.
The Home is predicted to vote on the close-out finances throughout a proper session scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
