Oconee County Council Moves Forward with Grant for Two Homelessness-Focused Deputies

At Tuesday night’s meeting, Oconee County Council considered a request to apply for a $250,000 FY25 COPS Hiring Program grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to hire two additional sworn deputies dedicated to addressing rising homelessness…

One local resident spoke against the measure during public comments…

Sheriff Mike Crenshaw told the council two additional deputies would be beneficial by concentrating on homelessness in Oconee County, and that new vehicles for those deputies would not need to be immediately purchased…

The motion passed, contingent on Interim County Administrator Phil Shirley locating the necessary funds.