Travel Spending of Local Sheriffs Raises Eyebrows
In a recent survey of sheriff travel expenses, it seems some officials are taking to the skies – and hot tubs – more often than most taxpayers might expect. In Mecklenburg County, one sheriff has racked up astonishing costs while attending events and conferences stretched across the nation, and the question on everyone’s mind is: are we getting our money’s worth?
The Charlotte Observer initiated a public records request that covered expenses from January 2023 to July 2024. The results show that Mecklenburg’s Sheriff Garry McFadden led the pack with a whopping $33,030 spent on travel. This is significantly higher than the next sheriff on the list, <*>Wake County’s Willie Rowe, who spent $10,342 in the same period. McFadden’s travels took him to various locations including Michigan, Florida, and even California where he has been recognized for his efforts in law enforcement.
Living Large in Santa Barbara
Among the noteworthy expenses was Sheriff McFadden’s luxurious two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Santa Barbara for $1,100 while attending a conference. A spokesperson for McFadden defended the cost, noting that the venue was chosen by the Major County Sheriffs of America and was out of his control. “It’s in our best interest to be recognized nationally for our work,” said Bradley Smith, McFadden’s spokesperson, emphasizing the commitment to improving the sheriff’s department.
Other notable travel events in McFadden’s calendar included four trips solely in June 2023, racking up costs that ranged from $203 for a meeting in Raleigh to a $2,686 expense for the conference in Santa Barbara. It seems his dedication to the job is matched by his travel itinerary.
Command Retreat in the Mountains
Meanwhile, Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown decided to spice things up a bit for his command staff’s annual retreat. Instead of the usual hotel meeting space, he opted for a mountain home with a hot tub in Yancey County, costing taxpayers $2,602 to accommodate himself and seven staffers. Though the idea was to save on hotel costs by gathering in a single location, some eyebrows have been raised regarding the expenses associated with the hot tub and cleaning fees.
Maj. Aaron Turk, the Sheriff’s spokesperson who went on the trip, joked about the hot tub, stating, “I think there probably was one, but it was really cold in the mountains, so I don’t remember if we got in.” So here’s hoping they at least enjoyed their scenic escape for some “fellowship” time!
Comparing Sheriff Spending
Not all sheriffs are racking up the same level of costs, however. Iredell County’s Darren Campbell followed closely behind McFadden with travel expenses totaling $17,676. His trips often included staff members, which makes comparisons tricky. The largest single expense was $3,646 for lodging during a North Carolina sheriffs conference in Myrtle Beach.
In contrast, Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey spent the least at $842, sticking to in-state travel and staying in a deluxe room at a casino resort. Lincoln County’s Sheriff Bill Beam had a modest $1,904 for his sheriff-related events. He noted he doesn’t even claim meal reimbursements since he usually gets free food during training sessions.
The Silent Outlier
Amidst all this spending, Gaston County Sheriff Chad Hawkins remained notably quiet, failing to provide any records to the Observer despite repeated requests. This mystery only adds to the public’s curiosity about how their officials manage taxpayer money.
Wrap Up
It seems that travel expenses for sheriffs can vary widely, with some taking the opportunity to build their profiles and network, while others keep their spending to a minimum. As discussions around transparency and accountability continue, residents might want to keep an eye on just how their local sheriffs spend public funds.
