Commission to Pasco sheriff: Not a dime more

The Pasco County Commissioners today rejected all of Sheriff Bob White's request for a 13.4 percent spending increase to $94.7-million next year. Instead, White was told to come back next Wednesday with a proposed budget matching this year's $83.5-million spending.

The commission has to cut $15.8-million overall to meet state demands for property tax cuts. White wants to spend $11.2 million more next year, including 109 new jobs.

While acknowledging the county is in a tight spot, White accused commissioners of being "penny wise and pound foolish" in their efforts to cut the budget. He said his agency's spending is so frugal compared to other large law enforcement agencies that preventative tasks are not being done.

Commission Chairwoman Ann Hildebrand noted the county still must cut millions if every bit of the sheriff's requested increase is chopped.

"Madame chairman, give me a clue," White said, asking how much to cut.

"I think you just got your clue," Hildebrand replied.