The Grand Island Independent Hall, Greeley and Sherman counties received a pleasant surprise last month. Our View Federal grants paying for new sheriff's deputies are welcome, but counties must make a commitment to continue paying the salaries. The three counties received federal grants to pay for three new deputies in Hall County, two in Greeley and one in Sherman. In all three counties, the new deputies will give welcome relief to overworked staffs. Sheriff's departments' duties extend far beyond patrolling county roads.
Deputies also deliver court papers and execute court orders.
They inspect car titles, issue gun permits and escort prisoners to court proceedings, often having to take them to other counties. All this is in addition to their patrol duties and responding to accidents. So the new deputies are a welcome addition, and the fact that federal funds will pay 75 percent of the deputies' salaries and benefits over a three-year period will keep them from being a financial burden for the counties. However, while the grants are welcome, their acceptance does require a commitment and planning by county officials. The grants are for only three years.