The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) is facing a $ 4.5 million budget cut, and now the Sheriff is seeking the public’s help.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders says the cuts could impact public safety.
He said that felony offenders may be released as a result — a concern raised in a recent social media post.
Currently, Thurston County is facing a $36 million deficit going into 2026.
Cuts will be made across several departments in the county system.
The TCSO is facing a 26% cut to its operating budget.
However, Sheriff Sanders says the budget cuts to TCSO are tied to emails received by the County Commissioners.
He claimed that the emails unfairly targeted TCSO, accusing them of biased policing and excessive use of force.
In his post, he encouraged community members to attend the next Board of County Commissioners meeting to speak in support of the Sheriff’s Office.
He ended the post by asking attendees to remain respectful and positive if they choose to speak on behalf of TCSO.
The meeting will take place on September 30.
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