Spending plans second-guessed

A former Oconee County councilman believes crime has reached a level that justifies raising a deputy’s salary to $65 thousand.   Sheriff Crenshaw seeks a raise to start pay at $44 thousand, but Wayne McCall says that’s not enough to keep the public safe and to be able to recruit and keep a full workforce.  McCall served 12 years as the District Two councilman before he decided he would not be a candidate for re-election in 2020.  In an opinion letter, McCall believes the sheriff’s personnel budget should be large enough to allow for two deputies to ride together in one car.  He further questions the current council’s intent to fund purposes that should rank below law enforcement.