During the Curry County Board of Commissioners Business Meeting on December 4, 2024, significant concerns regarding public safety and support for the sheriff's office were raised by representatives from Teamsters Local 223. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for action to address staffing shortages and morale issues within the sheriff's department.

The new business agent for the Curry County Sheriff's Office, representing Teamsters Local 223, expressed gratitude for the addition of an administrative assistant position to the consent agenda. However, he also voiced serious concerns about the perceived dysfunction within the county's jurisdiction and the lack of support for law enforcement. He emphasized that the county's primary responsibility is to protect the public, which necessitates robust support for the sheriff's office.

A key point of discussion was the urgent need for a new law enforcement levy to be prepared for the ballot. The representative urged the board to prioritize this issue in their upcoming meetings, suggesting that it is essential for addressing the severe understaffing of the sheriff's office. He noted that low morale among deputies is leading to high turnover rates, which could ultimately affect community safety.

Austin DePaolo, the secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 223, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the frustration among law enforcement officers regarding recent layoffs and job insecurity. He reinforced the union's commitment to public safety and the critical role it plays in the community's well-being.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the pressing challenges facing Curry County's law enforcement and the need for immediate action from the Board of Commissioners. As the county grapples with staffing shortages and low morale, the call for a new law enforcement levy and improved support for the sheriff's office may shape future policy decisions and community safety initiatives. The board's response to these concerns will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region and the overall safety of its residents.