EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County commissioners spent hours behind closed doors on Thursday discussing the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office budget and operations as questions rise about how that money is being spent.

Commissioners met for a special session at the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Center, where they were set to discuss the sheriff’s office budget and operations and possibly take action, according to the El Paso County agenda.

During the meeting, commissioners also suspended video recording and live streaming, then spent the day in executive session.

The closed-door discussions come as a March budget presentation to commissioners showed the county’s public safety sector — which includes the sheriff’s office — had spent or committed about 47 percent of its budget through February, about five months into the fiscal year. County officials said that figure includes committed funds and that spending is being closely monitored.

Jordan Salas reports on the special session discussing the Sheriff’s budget.

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Sheriff Oscar Ugarte attended the meeting earlier in the day but left without speaking to media. He later released a statement.

While we cannot comment on specific details discussed during today’s executive session, we can confirm that conversations took place regarding the Sheriff’s Office budget and operations.Since taking office, I have been clear in sounding the alarm that this office faced years of neglect. While our staffing tables may show positions filled, the operational reality is that we do not have the personnel needed to meet the demands of our growing community.Although we continue to meet the standards set by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards within our detention facilities, our employees are working overtime to maintain those requirements. That level of strain is not sustainable and is taking a toll on the dedicated men and women who serve this community every day.Our deputies are also working overtime on targeted operations focused on issues that matter most to our community.Despite these challenges, our commitment to keeping El Paso County safe does not change. Since taking office, we have seen a 14% decrease in crime in our areas of responsibility. This is a clear indication that our team is working tirelessly to deliver results, even under difficult conditions.We will continue working collaboratively with County Administration and Commissioners’ Court to address our budgetary and operational needs, and we remain focused on ensuring the Sheriff’s Office is properly resourced to effectively serve our community.

After the meeting, El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said one of the biggest issues discussed was overtime spending.

“If you look at one single item, the overtime is critical because it is increasing at a higher rate than we have a budget for.”

Samaniego released the following statement:

On behalf of the Commissioners and myself, we remain committed to ensuring public safety and maintaining efficient County operations. We look forward to continuing our work with Sheriff Ugarte to support and sustain these priorities. Due to the impact this matter has on the safety and security of our operations, we will not be providing further comment at this time.

Samaniego said the county is now looking at ways to cut costs, including reducing the county jail population and improving efficiency.

He said the public can expect more details on the sheriff’s budget in the coming weeks during commissioners’ court meetings.

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