JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
After some heated debate and a change of heart from one Hinds County supervisor, the Hinds County Sheriff's Department has $2.5 million back in its 2013 budget.
Hundreds of employees from the Hinds County Sheriff's Department packed the inside and outside of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors meeting room when the motion to restore the sheriff's department's budget was announced.
Sheriff Tyrone Lewis said reinstating the $2.5 million dollars to his budget is a victory.
"It means we're going to continue to move forward to give them the protection they deserve that we set out to do that we committed to give them, the victory is for the law abiding tax citizens of this county," Lewis said.
During last week's board meeting, Supervisor Kenneth Stokes brought up the motion to reduce the sheriff's budget. Supervisors Phil Fisher and Doug Anderson voted in favor with Stokes.
During Monday's meeting, Anderson changed his mind, but Stokes and Fisher still disagree with the new majority vote.
Part of the $2.5 million cut from the Sheriff's budget would have gone towards a $100 raise for all Hinds County employees.
"We're not talking about firing a single employee that misinformation this is vacant positions we're talking about, taking these vacant positions and give this money to the employees," Stokes said.
Fisher said the county has spent above its means for years and now it's time to balance the books.
"Court mandated regulations, crumbling infrastructure and the desire to increase economic development and you can see our budget is strained beyond its capability," Fisher said.
Supervisors Calhoun and Graham re-voted in favor of restoring the sheriff's 2013 revenue.
"I'm left handed I'd rather cut off my left hand than vote against law enforcement," Graham said.
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