Border Sheriffs Set for Payday Boost: Just How Much Extra Cash Are They Getting?

On Wednesday, David Rhodes, president of the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff of Yavapai County, announced a push for border law enforcement funding to nearly triple in the next fiscal year, aiming for $50 million. This increased funding is intended to bolster local law enforcement’s drug interdiction efforts in border communities.

Currently, the state budget allocates $17 million for border law enforcement through the Department of Public Safety, part of Governor Katie Hobbs’s initiative to combat Arizona’s fentanyl crisis. Rhodes indicated that the funding request comes in response to the recent passage of Proposition 314, which mandates stricter laws regarding non-citizens entering the state.

With Prop 314 set to criminalize illegal entries outside designated ports, local sheriffs are anticipating a surge in responsibilities. “The citizens expect local law enforcement, particularly along the border, to do more,” Rhodes asserted, emphasizing the necessity for additional deputies and resources.

According to Rhodes, adding approximately 20 deputies would require a $5 million investment, with overall costs potentially reaching $20 million annually for the four border counties. The funding could also enhance technology for fentanyl investigations and facilitate jail renovations to accommodate increased detentions.

Lawmakers, however, are aware of the need for additional support. During a recent Joint Legislative Budget Committee hearing, Representative Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton expressed concerns that without adequate funding, Prop 314 might become an unfunded mandate. “Expenditures have not been included in the budget,” she noted.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Livingston conveyed optimism about increased funding but was uncertain whether it would meet the $50 million target. “We have to do a better job protecting our citizens,” he stated, acknowledging the need for further discussions with sheriffs and the governor.

Recent financial developments provide some leeway in budget negotiations, with a projected $660 million surplus. Yet, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee has alerted lawmakers to potential budget shortfalls by 2026 if spending remains unchecked.

The upcoming session will also contend with other significant spending priorities, including a projected $524 million increase in K-12 education costs. In contrast, the funding allocation for the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office has been cut by $250,000 due to political disagreements regarding immigration enforcement.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway has opposed Prop 314, raising concerns about its lack of financial support and the risk of diverting law enforcement from other essential duties. The committee’s decision to reallocate funds reflects a broader political debate on immigration enforcement and public safety.

County Manager Jesus Valdez highlighted the potential repercussions of decreased funding, signaling that it could exacerbate challenges related to gang activity and transnational crime. “Securing these funds will directly translate into a safer community,” Valdez emphasized in his appeal for support.

Despite appeals for reinstating funds, Republican committee members expressed the need for clearer commitments from Sheriff Hathaway regarding immigration enforcement. This situation brings to a head the ongoing tensions between law enforcement priorities and funding in Arizona’s policy landscape.