County leaders question parts of the sheriff’s spending plans

Chief Deputy Ralph Spidalieri (left) and Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski (right), pictured at an event in February 2021. Michael Indriolo/The Portager

County leaders question parts of the sheriff’s spending plans

- Michael Indriolo

Portage County officials have raised concerns about key parts of the sheriff’s sweeping budget reforms, which call for a spending increase of $2.9 million over three years to cover raises, new hires, facilities repairs and new equipment.

Meeting with county commissioners for the first time since taking office two months ago, Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski and Chief Deputy Ralph Spidalieri laid out a proposal to expand their fleet so that every deputy has a vehicle. While they presented the plan as a cost saver because it will use newer, leased vehicles, commissioners and the county financial director questioned that premise.

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