After weeks of hearings at Cuyahoga County Council, the county’s budget for 2026 and 2027 is nearing final passage, but doubts remain about whether the sheriff’s budget is accurate.

The sheriff’s department told council it needs at least $213 million for 2026. County Executive Chris Ronayne originally offered about $200 million.

The issue, as it’s been the last few years, is overtime for corrections officers and deputies.

“Our original ask was $217 million,” said Chris Costin from the sheriff’s department’s fiscal office. “On the law enforcement side and on the jail side, they are working to get these overtime costs down.”

After meeting with the county executive’s Office of Budget and Management, $4.6 million was added in each year of the biennial budget, bringing the final number head

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