The Potter County Commissioners Court met Monday, Aug. 25, for another tense round of budget talks that stretched from firefighter staffing to law enforcement pay and courthouse repairs.

The discussion ended without a decision on the tax rate, leaving department heads and employees frustrated as commissioners weighed public safety against the burden on taxpayers.

Sheriff warns of staff losses

Sheriff Brian Thomas told the court his office is already losing employees because county pay lags behind other agencies.

"We’re losing people because they can’t pay those people," Thomas said. "The county is a service organization … you have to be able to balance the money coming in versus the money going out. If we’re ever hitting the red, we’re not balancing. What I’m telling you this year is w

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