Commission approves Blue Shield designation after debate over sheriff's funding

The Camden County Commission voted on April 24 to approve a Blue Shield Resolution that the sheriff said would allow the department to apply for grant funds of approximately $50,000. Sheriff Edgar told commissioners the potential grant would "help his department greatly" after this year's budget cut.

Presiding Commissioner Ike Skelton questioned the program, calling it a political tool of the governor and offering an alternative to allocate county TCLA funds to the sheriff instead. Skelton moved to forego the Blue Shield designation and provide $75,000 from TCLA funds; his motion received no second and therefore failed. Commissioner James Gohagan then moved to approve the Blue Shield Resolution; Commissioner Steve Dougan seconded and the motion passed with recorded "aye" votes by Gohagan and Dougan.

Commission discussion focused on potential negative effects if the county declined the designation, how the designation interacts with local budget reductions, and whether direct county funding or the grant route best serves the sheriff's needs. The transcript records concern that denial of the designation again for 2025 could negatively affect department operations. No dollar transfer from county funds was approved at the meeting; the commission approved only the Blue Shield designation so the sheriff's department can pursue grant funding.