Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck says next year’s budget is shaping up to be the toughest of his tenure, citing soaring costs, staff shortages, and growing overtime needs across his department.
In a public statement shared this week, Schenck detailed the challenges his office is facing as it works to finalize the 2026 budget. The Sheriff says inflation, rising labor costs, and a wave of retirements in the county jail are making it harder than ever to keep up with mandated staffing requirements while protecting taxpayers.
Jail overtime driving costs
One of the biggest pressures is a staffing shortage in the custody division, which currently has 14 vacancies. That’s led to a heavy reliance on overtime—both voluntary and mandatory—to meet legal staffing minimums in the jail.
“The job they do is difficult, demanding, and sometimes dangerous,” Schenck said, commending the jail staff for stepping up amid the shortage. But he warned that relying on overtime is not sustainable long-term and contributes significantly to rising costs.
Recruitment challenges, contract deadlines
Schenck said the shrinking pool of qualified candidates is making it harder to fill roles in both the jail and on road patrol. He also pointed to upcoming contract negotiations—especially with the custody division, whose agreement expires at the end of this year—as a key part of the budget conversation.
He’s urging county leaders to ensure wages and benefits remain competitive with nearby counties to attract and retain staff. “We must make sure that our salaries and benefits are competitive in the region,” he said.
Delays and cuts already in motion
To offset costs, the department has already proposed delaying some vehicle and equipment purchases. But Schenck cautioned that without more support, deeper cuts could affect core services.
“Any significant cuts to our budget would ultimately result in cuts to public safety services in our community,” he wrote.
Community invited to weigh in
Sheriff Schenck says he welcomes feedback from residents during this budget cycle. He encouraged anyone with questions or concerns to email him directly at [email protected].
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].