Houston County, Ala. — The Houston County Sheriff’s Department is exploring an unlikely route to secure the financial support it desperately needs, with assistance from former Alabama Secretary of State, John Merrill.
At a recent Houston County Commission meeting, commissioners were presented with an offer from Merrill, who now serves as the Director of Public Policy and Strategic Markets at Waggoner Engineering, a civil engineering firm. Merrill’s company is offering to serve as a bridge between the Sheriff’s Department and Congress in an effort to secure federal funding.
“Our goal is to transform communities, and that’s one of the things we’re trying to do to be helpful in Houston County,” Merrill said, outlining the company’s commitment to supporting local law enforcement.
The Houston County Commission has long been concerned about the department’s resource constraints. Despite allocating a significant portion of its $46 million general fund to the Sheriff’s Department, commissioners say it hasn’t been enough to cover the growing needs of the department. Critical upgrades, including the purchase of new vehicles and a new software engine for the department’s dispatch system, have been difficult to fund.
Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe acknowledged the financial struggles, stating, “Our money only goes so far. The sheriff needs a lot more than what we can provide for him.”
Recent estimates show that the Sheriff’s Department requires approximately $2 million for essential law enforcement upgrades. With local funds stretched thin, the commission has turned to Waggoner Engineering for assistance in securing additional funding.
Merrill explained that Waggoner Engineering’s involvement would focus on advocating for federal dollars that could alleviate the financial burden on the county. “What we’re trying to do is see if we can be a conduit to assist the county commission in providing improved law enforcement offerings for the Houston County Sheriff’s Office,” he said.
County commissioners are hopeful that Merrill’s connections and experience in government will help them secure the funds needed to address the department’s needs. “We’re going to be making a big ask. It would be nice to have that personal touch and have someone who has the connections to help bring those dollars back home,” said Shoupe.
The collaboration between the Houston County Commission and Waggoner Engineering marks a new approach in addressing the challenges facing local law enforcement. As the sheriff’s department continues to face significant operational costs, this partnership could be pivotal in ensuring the department has the resources it needs to serve and protect the community effectively.
