Sheriff's department needs more funding

By Cliff Rudesill

We ran the Riverside Home Centers in the Cape Girardeau area from 1970 to 1984. During those years, we expanded to centers in Jackson, Sikeston, Ste. Genevieve and Ironton. We had between 100 and 150 employees. They were the finest customer-serving group of employees -- more like family -- that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

From 1978 to 1983, I served on the board of Hardware Wholesalers Inc. of Fort Wayne, Ind., now called Do-It-Best Corp. This is when HWI decided to open a distribution center in Cape Girardeau. Why Cape? Because of the quality and work ethic of potential employees in this area. HWI was shown the example of the Procter & Gamble Paper Products plant and its growth and expansion as a result of the work force.

The Cape Girardeau warehouse over the years has been the most productive of the seven distribution centers. The turnover rate was practically none. Why? We tried to be a good, fair employer paying competitive wages.

I am currently serving on a newly created state board supervising how county sheriff's offices spend funds accumulated from various sources such as fines. I can honestly say the sheriffs watch and carefully spend each dollar wisely.

Our board was invited to attend a recent social event -- sandwiches, sodas and snacks -- for sheriff's department families. I was impressed with the vibrancy and attitude of these young families. They appeared to be in their 20s with children 3 to 5 years old. Their camaraderie was obvious. Their enthusiasm was contagious. They seemed happy in their work place.

Now, the problem: How do you keep those young people with growing families who are our future county police force? With good working conditions, respect, fair control, opportunities for advancement and competitive salaries. Note I said "competitive." I did not say above-market salaries.

When I see that these young growing families can make more money moving to other law enforcement agencies in our area, it illustrates why the turnover rate at the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department is at unacceptable levels.

The sheriff's department needs to be able to pay competitive salaries to keep the people it trains. It costs money to replace and retrain personnel.

The small half-cent increase in the county sales tax, partially offset by replacing the road and bridge property taxes, I feel is a good investment for the overall security of our county.

I would hope our county residents would look at the big picture and vote yes on Proposition 1 on the Aug. 8 ballot.

Cliff Rudesill of Cape Girardeau is a retired businessman.