Kevin Fitzsimmons who is dad to 8-month old Chloe and is also a resident in Gold Hill, said he’s not happy about the 66 possible layoffs at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
“I think they’re a necessary aspect of our safety. I don’t think the Sheriff’s Department should be cut in any way because already we’re struggling with what we have now,” said Fitzsimmons.
“We have no police department whatsoever,” he continued.
Gold Hill city officials said they’re concerned about the potential cuts as well.
“I don’t know what will happen, probably we will suffer a bit in terms of response time,” said Jan Fish, Mayor of Gold Hill.
According to city employees, Gold Hill does not have a “contract” with the Sheriff’s Office, but rather an understanding that if an emergency happens, Sheriff’s deputies will be the ones to respond.
“We’ve had a good response from the Sheriff’s Department thus far,” said Mayor Fish.
However, she said she’s worried if the looming cuts become reality, the semi-regular patrols through town may stop altogether.
“I’m just hoping this doesn’t become Josephine County,” she said.
“The little bit of security and help we have in our small town now is at an all time low and if they cut it, then what will we have We’ll have nothing by then,” said Fitzsimmons.
Both residents and city officials are remaining hopeful their deputies will stay on the job.
Mayor Fish said there is a group who has wanted to start a neighborhood watch.
She said the time has probably come to finally organize it.
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