Following an unprecedented increase in spending, El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte was asked to cease unauthorized overtime and identify funding sources for budget transfers from within his office – requests by the Commissioners Court that have not yet been fulfilled.
A Sept. 15 letter from El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego on behalf of the Commissioners Court highlights ongoing concerns about the fiscal management of the Sheriff’s Office budget and outlines action items Ugarte needs to address.
“While the Commissioners Court appreciates the operational demands placed upon your department, the financial impact on the County requires immediate attention and renewed collaboration,” the letter states…