Los Angeles County board hears about public safety budgets

(The Center Square) – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors heard about budget requests Tuesday from departments handling law and order and fire protection.

The county Sheriff’s Department has a total new appropriation request of $556.6 million. This includes $116.7 million for an aero patrol and rescue aircraft multi-year replacement plan, $44.9 million for emergency vehicle fleet and components, $39 million for weapons qualifications and a perishable skills training facility, $22 million for Computer Aid Dispatch and staffing, along with $5 million for a wellness center.

The sheriff’s department is being hurt by inflation and the costs of goods and services, Sheriff Robert Luna told the board.

Vehicles used by the department also have high mileage and need to be replaced, Luna said.

Luna also noted the department has experienced “a high number of retirements” at a time in which the department is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympics and P...