However, there was a technical issue that prevented the call-in line for public comment to open following the public works and law, safety, and justice lines of business presentation on October 1st. So, we're we're going to continue to accept comments on the open line during the week of October 6 for those budget hearings.

The proposed budget totals $3.09 billion and was based upon property tax levy increase of 7.79%. The board adopted a maximum property levy on uh September 25th of 7.79%.

The 2026 proposed budget for this sheriff includes an overall increase in expensive of approximately $13.2 2 million or a 7.8% above the 2025 budget as well as an overall increase in property tax of approximately $18.5 million or 12.8% compared to 2025.

While we are here to talk about the many pieces that make up the Henipin County Sheriff's 2026 budget request, I want to stress that a major component of my request is people. The people who make up the sheriff's office and the people in the community who we took an oath to protect and serve. Those dedicated people make up approximately 80% of the 2026 budget.

My priorities include violent crime reduction, opioid overdose awareness and prevention, reform through programming, recruitment and retention. Lastly, community engagement and education.

From January 1st to August 31st, they answered approximately 172,000 emergency calls.

Between January 1 and August 31st, they seized 414 illegally possessed guns, almost 2,000 fentinel pills, 12 lbs of fentinel powder,