Penny-wise sheriff

Saturday, November 12, 2005

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Sheriff Grady Judd prides himself on saving money, both on and off the job.

A self-proclaimed tightwad, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says he's careful with his dollars in his personal life, and that has carried over to his professional life.

So much so that Judd set a record for budget leftovers in Polk County. Judd had $9 million left over in his budget and returned it to the county commission.

That was a pleasant surprise for county commissioner Jack Myers.

"We've had money returned from Crow in the past, but never to the tune of $9 million," Myers said.

Being frugal is a way of life for Judd. He even jokes he's so cheap he squeaks. But when it comes to his work, saving money has a higher purpose.

"It's about building trust and doing what's right for Polk County," Judd said.

Judd said that although he's careful not to waste money and will research the lowest price available, he's also careful not to cut salaries or quality.

Click on the photo to see a larger graph of the daily cost per immate held in some Florida counties.

"Once we set professional standards of 'This is the food we need for the inmates, these are the vehicles we need, or this is the training we need,' then we go forward and competitively bid or research the best price," Judd said.

As for what the leftover $9 million will be used for, Judd went to county commissioners with ideas such as adding extra security at the courthouse. The new sheriff's substation in northwest Polk County was paid for with a portion of the leftovers.

"Rather than ask taxpayers for more money, let's take the money we've already saved and use that," Judd said about the new substation.

Judd doesn't expect to save $9 million again next year because each year's expenses are different. But every dollar he can save, he says, is one less dollar he has to ask for.

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