Sheriff David Davis with the Bibb County Sheriff's Office says he is concerned about the number of deputies they employ. Thursday night, Sheriff Davis took to Facebook saying, "I am pleased to learn that the Macon-Bibb County Commission has finally passed a balanced budget. Regrettably, it is too late for the 19 deputies who have quit since June 1st."
Sheriff Davis says two more deputies handed in their resignation letters this week.
"My post last night was probably born somewhat of frustration," said Sheriff Davis.
Sheriff Davis says he believes it has something to do with commissioners passing a budget later than expected.
"You know this has been the summer of uncertainty as the commissioners and the mayor and the county officials have deliberated on what to do about the budget," said Sheriff Davis.
Is this number of deputies leaving the sheriff's office an average number compared to last year? The 13WMAZ team set out to verify. Sheriff Davis searched the records to check how many deputies left this same time last year.
"We had nine deputies that left," said Sheriff Davis.
Sheriff Davis says that number of deputies has doubled compared to last year. The 19 deputies leaving is not an average number. Davis says it is encouraging that commissioners passed a budget and he hopes new recruits will join the sheriff's office.
"Well, it's my life, and being of service to our community is our life, and it's the same for everybody who put on the uniform," said Sheriff Davis.
Commissioner Valerie Wynn says she's sorry to hear that deputies left and she hopes the board of commissioners will agree on a pension plan by the beginning of next year. Sheriff Davis says job fairs and recruiting events should be coming up later this fall.