Los Alamos County Sheriff Marco Lucero briefs Council on his deparment at Monday’s Budget Hearing. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Speaking as a citizen during public comment Monday evening, Los Alamos County Sheriff’s Deputy John Horne addresses Council. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Staff Report
Los Alamos County Council voted 5-2 Tuesday evening to deny a request from Sheriff Marco Lucero for an official vehicle. Lucero explained that he has driven his personal vehicle during his first four year term and in the four months of his second term. Councilors James Chrobocinski and Pete Sheehey voted to approve the request.
Lucero requested a truck that he estimated would cost $26,000 and said it should last at least 10 years. Lucero asked Council to approve a truck for his department to alleviate the wear and tear on his personal vehicle. The cost for the new truck is an estimated $26,000, he said. Lucero also requested an official vehicle during his first term, which the County Council at that time denied.
Council advised Lucero to use a vehicle from the County pool when he needed to go on travel and Chair Kristin Henderson suggested he place a decal or magnetic sign with his department logo on that vehicle.
The Los Alamos County Sheriff’s Office accounts for 0.2 percent of the General Fund. The department’s proposed FY-2016 budget is $85,411, which reflects a 2 percent decrease over the adopted FY-2015 budget of $87,138. The 2 percent decrease in the Sheriff’s Department budget is attributable to a reduction in travel and postage.
The Sheriff enforces those Federal, State and County laws not under the jurisdiction of the Los Alamos Police Department. This enforcement includes service of legal process from various courts and provision of bailiff services as requested by the court.
