Sheriff Ryan reported, “We would move the one half Sergeant position in the Dispatch budget to the Sheriff’s budget (and) move ¼ of the Undersheriff position and ½ of a Lieutenant position to the Dispatch budget which is over 1/3 reimbursable.” He said that last year the Sheriff’s office gave back $300,000 plus in salary savings and this year they are anticipating a similar amount. Sheriff Ryan went on to say, given it is a tight budget year, the Sheriff’s Office will not move forward with creating two extra help transport officers which were also approved by the Admin. Committee. The Board approved his request unanimously.

A fairly unknown County program was discussed next as Dianne Bennett of Diablo Funding Group presented information to the Board of Supervisors on how they can enhance their existing First Time Home Buyers Program, which is not well known about. Bennett said her goal is to make the process both easier on the home buyers, the County and the loan office. She went on to describe that there are several programs available that could provide further funding for future home buyers who would otherwise, even with the help of the First Time Home Buyers program, not be able to own their own homes because of the enormity of expenses such as closing costs. The board agreed to look at the information packet to research the programs further. If you or someone you know is interested in the First Time Home Buyers Program give Larry Busby, the executive director of the Central Sierra Planning Council a call at 532-8768. Or visit the Council’s office located at 53 W. Bradford Ave., Suite 200, Sonora.