York County proposes budget plans amid growing court cases and criminal activity

YORK, Neb. (KLKN) — According York County, the criminal case numbers have seen a rise. With the increase in criminal activity and cases, York County Commissioners reviewed a budget increase to cover the costs.

York County Sheriff’s Officer, the county attorney’s office, the district court office and the public defender’s office met with the York County Commissioners to address their proposed budgets.

York County Sheriff Paul Vrbka allowed Captain Josh Gillespie propose the budget, as Gillespie will more than likely taking Vrbka’s place as the county sheriff due to retirement.

Gillespie said their preliminary budget had a 6.16% increase. He said there are multiple reasons why including insurance costs, adding another officer due to increased volume and new vehicles. Gillespie said York County Sheriff’s Office is currently short staffed and need another officer.

York County Attorney Gary Olson told commissioners that the county currently has 2.65 attorneys, but math shows they need “the time equivalent of five full-time lawyers.” Olson said they are requesting a 13% budget increase for mostly personnel costs.