News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said taxes won’t have to be raised to support the settlement between the county commission and Sheriff Oddie Shoupe.
“As of right now, the amount we settled on, we’re not anticipating any tax increase, this straps us to the limit, as a matter of fact there’ll be, some other departments will have to take some hits to fund this,” Robinson said.
Robinson did say if any additional expenditures come up, the county won’t be able to absorb them. At this point, the county is facing at least three other lawsuits. One lawsuit against Shoupe is related to his search tactics. Two other lawsuits have targeted various county officials for a controversial birth control program offered at the White County jail.
The settlement will be phased in over three years.
“First year, 10 correction officers, two deputies; second year, two more deputies, three more correction officers and an extra patrol car,” Robinson said.
Shoupe sued the county last year, asking for more officers, equipment and training. Robinson said the settlement was reached during court-ordered mediation.
