The Bartholomew County Council’s budget hearings for 2017 continue this morning.

Sheriff Matt Myers is scheduled to make his case for increased funding at the first session at 8:35 a.m. in the Governmental Office Building on Third Street in Columbus.

Myers has said he will be looking for substantial budget increases to provide for more deputies, training and equipment. He has said the department has held the line on spending for years, but increasing drug traffic and a growing population are stretching the county’s deputies too far.

Also this morning, the Bartholomew County Emergency Operations Center budget hearing will be held. Several council members have suggested the county consider a new income tax to fund operations at the center and other public safety needs in the community.