WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — Overtime and rising costs have pushed the the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office over budget by nearly $3 million this year.

But, in a recent contentious exchange with the county board, Sheriff Alyshia Dyer made it clear she is unwilling to lockdown the jail to cut costs.

“It is cruel and unusual punishment, in my opinion, to use that as a budget savings measure,” Dyer said.

Dyer originally asked the board to approve a $2.7 million budget adjustment to make up for the shortfall. She said increased overtime costs, as well as rising food and medical costs have strained the budget.

The board ultimately approved an additional $1.7 million for the sheriff’s office, but not before a tense round of questioning about the shortfall.

Commissioners on Wednesday, Nov. 19, di

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