Sheriff Youngblood has begun to make cuts in preparation of next year's budget

Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood outlined several cuts he made today as he works to meet the proposed five percent budget cut that looms over his department next month.

Sheriff Youngblood said a deputy was removed from the gang enforcement, narcotics and violent crimes units Wednesday. Two deputies were taken off the rural crimes unit and the gang investigation taskforce was completely shut down.

Sheriff Youngblood added that one floor of the main jail will be closed, which amounts to 91 unused beds. Also, the Rosamund substation will be moved to a new location, which is still being determined.

These cuts come a day after Sheriff Youngblood proposed a one cent sales tax initiative to the Board of Supervisors with a hope that it could make it on the November ballot.

Most of the board denied the initiative, leading KCSO to start making cuts as they face a $6.7 million deficit.