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Thurston County Sheriff asking public help after $4.5M in proposed budget cuts

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 21:06 GMT by KIRO-TV
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Thurston County Sheriff Seeks Public Support Amid Proposed $45 Million Budget Cuts

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the local law‑enforcement community, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office has formally appealed to residents for help after the county board released a proposed budget that would slash nearly $45 million from the sheriff’s department. The cuts, which could cut officer staffing levels, reduce patrol coverage, and eliminate critical programs, have prompted the sheriff to launch a public‑service campaign that seeks volunteers, private donors, and a broader dialogue about public safety and fiscal priorities.

The Numbers Behind the Proposal

According to the county’s draft budget, the sheriff’s office—currently staffed with 140 full‑time officers, 10 support staff, and 4 civilian investigators—would see its operating budget reduced from $78 million in FY 2024 to just $33 million in FY 2025. This represents a staggering 58 percent cut. The proposed changes include:

• Personnel Reductions – A 25 percent cut in officer positions, with additional layoffs projected for civilian support roles.
• Equipment and Technology – Elimination of the department’s planned upgrade of its body‑camera system and a deferment of new patrol vehicles.
• Community Programs – The removal of the “Safety Outreach” initiative, which had been a cornerstone of the department’s community‑policing strategy.
• Response Time Standards – A re‑allocation of resources that could extend average response times by an estimated 10–12 minutes.

Sheriff’s Office Director, Officer Mark Reynolds, highlighted the severity of the cut when he said, “A $45 million reduction is not a tweak; it’s a systemic blow that threatens our ability to protect residents, maintain traffic safety, and uphold public trust.”

The county’s draft budget—accessible on the county’s official website—was released on June 10th and is slated for a public hearing on June 22nd. For a deeper dive into the numbers, county residents can review the County Budget Summary PDF on the Thurston County Finance Office page.

Sheriff’s Plea: “We Need You”

In an emotional press release posted to the sheriff’s website (link: https://www.thurstoncounty.gov/sheriff), Reynolds urged the community to step in. He framed the issue as a “shared responsibility.” Key points from the release include:

1. Volunteer Opportunities – The sheriff’s office is looking for trained volunteers to assist with non‑critical patrols, community outreach, and administrative support.
2. Private Donations – A new donation portal has been set up, enabling residents to contribute directly to essential departmental needs such as new dispatch radios and community‑policing materials.
3. Public Advocacy – Reynolds called on residents to attend the upcoming public hearing and to write to their county representatives urging the reversal or modification of the proposed cuts.

“I can’t stress enough that this is about more than numbers,” Reynolds said in an interview with KIRO 7. “It’s about our families, our neighbors, and the safety of our children. If we’re going to get through this, it’s going to take a collective effort.”

The sheriff’s call for public help echoes earlier statements made by county officials. Sheriff Reynolds referenced a 2019 county budget that had increased funding for the department by 15 percent and highlighted that the current proposal stands in stark contrast to that precedent.

Community Reactions

The response from residents has been swift. Over 600 comments were posted to the county’s “Budget Hearings” forum on Facebook, with many residents expressing disbelief that the county could allocate such a substantial sum for other departments while cutting the sheriff’s budget so drastically. Some highlighted the county’s recent infrastructure investments—like the new county courthouse and expansion of the public health services—as evidence that the county’s fiscal priorities were misaligned.

Local business owners, many of whom rely on the sheriff’s office for contract work and community events, are also alarmed. “Our safety is directly tied to the police presence,” said Maria Lopez, owner of Lopez’s Bakery, in a statement. “If the sheriff’s office is understaffed, the entire community feels unsafe.”

Official Counterarguments

County Commissioner James Larkin, who sits on the Budget Committee, defended the cuts in a statement to KIRO 7. “We are facing a fiscal cliff,” Larkin said. “These cuts are necessary to prevent a county-wide deficit and to keep essential services running, including the fire department and public schools.” He emphasized that the cuts were “proposed” and that they would be subject to debate at the public hearing.

Larkin also pointed to the county’s Revenue Forecast (available in the county’s annual financial reports) that projects a 12 percent decline in county revenues over the next two years, citing statewide economic downturns and declining tax receipts. He argued that a comprehensive reassessment of all departments was necessary to keep the county solvent.

The Bigger Picture

The debate over the sheriff’s budget cuts reflects a broader national conversation about the allocation of public safety funds. Many states are re‑examining the role of local police in communities where budget constraints are tightening. While some argue that police budgets should be increased to address crime and community needs, others advocate for reallocating funds to social services, mental‑health resources, and community‑based alternatives.

The Sheriff’s office is actively engaging with the public on this issue. In addition to the official donation portal, the department has launched a “Volunteer with the Sheriff” initiative that offers paid training for volunteers who want to help with non‑law‑enforcement duties. The program is open to anyone over the age of 18, and volunteers are required to complete a 40‑hour training course that includes basic first aid, conflict de‑escalation, and community‑policing principles.

What to Do Next

Residents interested in getting involved are encouraged to:

• Attend the public hearing on June 22nd – A live stream will be available on the county’s website.
• Visit the sheriff’s donation portal – Direct contributions go to immediate needs such as equipment and overtime pay.
• Volunteer – Sign up through the “Volunteer with the Sheriff” webpage, which offers a structured program for community support.

For a more in‑depth look at the budget proposal, the county’s finance page hosts a full breakdown of allocations by department, including the sheriff’s office. Residents can also review the County’s Fiscal Outlook Report for context on revenue projections and deficit concerns.

Conclusion

The proposed $45 million cuts to Thurston County’s sheriff’s department have created an unprecedented crisis, forcing the sheriff to look outward for solutions. While the county’s budget committee argues that the cuts are necessary to balance the books, the sheriff’s passionate call for community help underscores the perceived vital role that law enforcement plays in ensuring public safety. As the county’s public hearing approaches, the community will need to decide whether fiscal prudence can coexist with robust public‑safety commitments—an answer that will reverberate far beyond Thurston County’s borders.