Sheriff Warns Vacancy Rate Is Near 45%
Mendocino County Board of Supervisors responds by funding five positions
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is operating with an effective vacancy rate approaching 45%, Sheriff Matt Kendall told supervisors July 21. When he finished his remarks, the board voted unanimously to fund five positions it had left unfunded as a cost-saving measure.
The sheriff’s office reported a 33% vacancy rate to the board earlier this month. Administrative Capt. Jason Caudillo said that figure does not account for eight employees out on leave, which pushes the effective rate to 44% or 45%. Kendall said several of those employees are unlikely to return because of the severity of their injuries.
The Ukiah sector, which generates half the county’s calls for service, is the hardest hit and has run shifts with a single deputy. Kendall said the department is simultaneously handling a rise in homicides and human trafficking, and illegal marijuana activity in the north county that he attributed to transnational drug trafficking organizations. Illicit cultivation, he said, “has gotten completely out of control.”
Caudillo said relief is arriving: three deputies were sworn in July 20, and three more lateral hires are expected in August.
Two of the five positions will be offset by roughly $500,000 in Proposition 64 funding over five years and will carry investigator assignments. Public agencies receive Prop. 64 funds to combat illegal cannabis cultivation, support youth education, and address public health and safety impacts tied to cannabis legalization.
The full-year cost to the general fund is slightly over $1 million, though interim CEO Sara Pierce put the current-year figure closer to $500,000 given hiring timelines. She said the cost could to be covered by one-time funds this year while the county looks for ongoing revenue.
Supervisor Bernie Norvell moved approval and Haschak seconded. Cline said the board is at a crossroads on priorities and that public safety is worth the cost. The vote was 5-0.