Sheriff’s lawsuit against the county heads to court

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The dispute between Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson and the Board of Commissioners over the 2018 budget will move to Senior Superior Court Judge Fred A. Bishop’s courtroom Friday, Jan. 12, at 9:30 a.m.

On Dec. 18, Bishop ordered county commissioners to appear before him to show cause why Johnson’s petition for mandamus “should not be issued as requested and such other relief be granted as the facts of the case may warrant.”

Johnson filed the petition for mandamus claiming the $8,273,080 budget approved by the commissioners for 2018 is inadequate for him to perform the duties of his office. Johnson requested his budget be set at $8,961,406.

Commissioners argue the budget represents a one-year increase of close to $1 million and is the largest increase awarded to any county office in 2018.

In fact, figures released by the county show that the sheriff’s office budget has increased by $2.3 million since 2014. County Manager David Headley said the sheriff’s budget grew by $525,381 in 2015, $348,648 in 2016, $457,632 in 2017 and $985,277 in 2018.

Moreover, a Georgia Department of Community Affairs survey reveals that Dawson County citizens pay more per capita to operate the sheriff’s office and jail than any other county in north Georgia. The survey of 26 counties shows Dawson County citizens pay $273 each, followed by Rabun County where citizens pay $210.

Several county officials have complained the sheriff wastes taxpayer dollars by not following the county’s purchasing policy of awarding bids to the lowest, most competent and qualified bidder.

Headley said the county has repeatedly reached out to the sheriff to offer assistance in matters such as human resources, finance and purchasing, and grants and maintenance.

“We have a well-trained staff and policies in place, which can help with compliance with the law and doing things in the most efficient and economical way,” Headley said. “Our offers have frequently been ignored or declined.”

 

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