Chelan County Sheriff Mike Harum has issued a statement defending the operating costs of his agency's Helicopter Division.


Criticism of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office Helicopter Operations have surfaced as the Sheriff and County Commissioners are debating how to balance the County Budget and fund the various agencies.


One of element of the Sheriff's Office that has come under fire has been the Helicopter Division, with Commissioners asking that it be terminated if necessary to make ends meet.

Sheriff Harum responds - saying "... the Helicopter(s) used by his department for Search and Rescue and for Marijuana Eradication actually produce more revenues than are spent in providing the services."

Harum has told GoLakeChelan in the past that ".. attacks on the Helicopter operations are without merit" - showing the media that operating costs of the Chelan County Helicopter are less than the revenues the department produces and that doesn't assign a dollar value to the benefits derived from the utility the helicopter gives to his law enforcement and search and rescue assignments.


In a simple "accounting Style" report the Sheriff tells the media:

Chelan County Sheriff's Office
Helicopter Operations
Helicopter and Personnel Expenses Through September 30, 2009

~ Helicopter and personnel expenses : $24,925.83

Insurance : $10,000.00
Total: $34,925.83


Revenue to Cover Expenses
Title-III (Federal) Money - $24,925.83
Marijuana Eradication reimbursement for May, June July : $12,251.11
Total: $37,176.04

Difference: +$2,251.11

Additional Revenue to be collected $52,749.00

Sheriff Harum continues....."The helicopter expenses have been covered by revenue with no effect on the general fund. Additionally the helicopter has saved the County thousands of man hours in search and rescues. More importantly it saves lifes!

As I have stated Patrol is our priority and the Helicopter contributes greatly in enhancing our abilities in patrol at the same time reducing our costs."