CLEVELAND, Ohio – Despite a recent $4.6 million increase, Cuyahoga County’s sheriff’s department still faces an estimated $8 million budget shortfall for 2026-2027, a recurring issue that Councilman Michael Gallagher attributes to the administration’s tactic of underfunding the sheriff to artificially balance the budget.

The budget dispute has led to allegations of retaliation, as sheriff’s fiscal officers Chris Costin and Donna Kaleal were informed their team would be moved under the county’s central fiscal office the day after they publicly challenged the administration’s budget figures. The county denies the claim.

While both sides agree that planned reforms might work to reduce overtime costs over the next two years, the timing and effectiveness of these savings are uncertain. The co

See Full Page