Sheriff details equipment and personnel requests; shelter manager asks to convert role to full time
May 20, 2026 | Northumberland County, Virginia
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Sheriff Beacham summarized budget requests for the Sheriff's Office at the May 19 budget work session, citing modest increases in operational costs and several personnel requests that would raise the department's budget.
Beacham said the radio recording system maintenance rose by about $600 and an annual subscription to operate a new solar-powered speed trailer would add roughly $1,500. He also said the office adjusted its electric line to $27,000 annually and expects a 5% maintenance increase for the Central Square records-management system. For fingerprinting, he presented a quote to replace an unsupported live-scan system priced at $8,740, noting ongoing maintenance costs beyond the first year.
On personnel, Beacham requested an additional part-time dispatcher at about $20 an hour (~72 hours per month, about $17,280 annually) and asked to increase a part-time deputy's monthly hours from 64 to 104 at $30 an hour. He calculated the two staffing requests would create a net need of roughly $32,700 beyond existing budgeted funds.
Beacham also introduced the animal shelter manager, Gabby, who urged the board to convert one part-time shelter position into a full-time role. Gabby said the shelter operates seven days a week and struggles with retention because many applicants are young or retired and find the work physically demanding. "We are 7 days a week, 365 a year operation and it's very difficult to keep people working," Gabby said, adding that the shelter currently employs six part-time people and regularly receives animal surrenders.
Board members asked about recruitment strategies and whether part-time funds could be reallocated to create a full-time position. Gabby said applications arrive but staff do not stay; she described staffing needs for daily coverage, veterinary transport, and kennel maintenance. The board did not take a final staffing vote at the session, instead scheduling further budget consideration ahead of the public hearing.
Beacham said the radio recording system maintenance rose by about $600 and an annual subscription to operate a new solar-powered speed trailer would add roughly $1,500. He also said the office adjusted its electric line to $27,000 annually and expects a 5% maintenance increase for the Central Square records-management system. For fingerprinting, he presented a quote to replace an unsupported live-scan system priced at $8,740, noting ongoing maintenance costs beyond the first year.
On personnel, Beacham requested an additional part-time dispatcher at about $20 an hour (~72 hours per month, about $17,280 annually) and asked to increase a part-time deputy's monthly hours from 64 to 104 at $30 an hour. He calculated the two staffing requests would create a net need of roughly $32,700 beyond existing budgeted funds.
Beacham also introduced the animal shelter manager, Gabby, who urged the board to convert one part-time shelter position into a full-time role. Gabby said the shelter operates seven days a week and struggles with retention because many applicants are young or retired and find the work physically demanding. "We are 7 days a week, 365 a year operation and it's very difficult to keep people working," Gabby said, adding that the shelter currently employs six part-time people and regularly receives animal surrenders.
Board members asked about recruitment strategies and whether part-time funds could be reallocated to create a full-time position. Gabby said applications arrive but staff do not stay; she described staffing needs for daily coverage, veterinary transport, and kennel maintenance. The board did not take a final staffing vote at the session, instead scheduling further budget consideration ahead of the public hearing.
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