WINNSBORO, S.C. — A post on social media claiming that the Winnsboro Police Department couldn't afford to pay its staff and was experiencing severe staffing shortages is causing concern in the town.
News19 spoke with the town about the confusion.
"No, that is not true. The town has actually increased the budget for the public safety department," said Interim Town Manager Chris Clauson.
In a copy of budget documents, last year's town budget allocated $1.38 million to public safety. This year, it has increased to $1.42 million.
Despite the increased budget, Clauson acknowledged a staffing issue due to retention challenges. While the department typically budgets for 18 officers, they currently only have five certified officers and one fire dispatcher.
"It's pretty difficult to keep officers when they're dangled another $5-10K at another jurisdiction," Clauson said. "We've had a number of retirements, and we've also had some officers have left because of better pay."
To address the staffing shortages, particularly during the night shift, the town has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.
"For now, we are helping them on night shifts," said Fairfield County Sheriff Will Montgomery. "They've got a dispatcher, and we’re working with them with our off-duty deputies, and they are just working extra duties for the town of Winnsboro."
Clauson said that the town is increasing salaries.
"We are starting salaries for Public Safety officers for $50,000, that will be up from $45,000," he said.
Clauson said several people are currently training at the academy and will be joining the department soon.
The final budget will be voted on at the next town council meeting.