CLEVELAND, Ohio — Amid mounting financial strains, part of Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne’s plan for a balanced budget over the next two years relies on the sheriff’s office finally getting a handle on runaway overtime costs.

During budget talks this week, Sheriff Harold Pretel insisted that new staffing models, scheduling changes and operational efficiencies should be able to bring costs in line with Ronayne’s projections. But his own fiscal team – and several county council members – aren’t convinced the math will hold up.

Pretel’s recommended $200 million budget for 2026 and nearly $204 million for 2027 includes $18.2 million and $19 million for overtime, respectively. The numbers are similar to what was budgeted for overtime this year, however, they fall well below what the

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