(KLZA)-- A Richardson County Commissioners decision in April could lead the the resignation of Sheriff Don Pounds. 

A quickly organized public meeting, billed as the Sheriff discussing the future of the Sheriff's Department, was held at the Humboldt Fire Hall May 16.  Two topics dominated the meeting,  The County purchase of the CRIMES Record Management System  and salaries and benefits for Richardson County  Deputy Sheriff's. 

The Sheriff was critical of the the April action by the Commissioners, saying the Board is trying to force him to allow a software program running the Jail and Sheriff's Office, but put on the Falls City Police Department server, where he would have no control, but unlimited liability. 

Pounds said all the info in the system must be kept for 75  years and remain confidential. The liability for this falls back on the Sheriff personally. Pounds says he will remain firm the system is not put on the Police Department server. 

The relationship between Sheriff Pounds and Falls City Police Chief Duane  Armbruster has been strained for several years now. Pounds said he decided last week he would resign rather than allow the new program to be on the PD server. Pounds said his employees talked him out of tendering his resignation until the information was put before the public.  

Pounds had strong words  about Second District Commissioners John Caverzagie,  the former Falls City Chief of Police who won election as a Commissioner last November.  The Sheriff told those attending the  meeting he believes Caverzagie made the motion to have the software on the Police Department server as a way for the City to take the Sheriff's Department over. He calls it ridiculous it is being pushed this far. 

Sheriff Pounds said he thinks if he were to resign over this issue, the deputies would be paid on par with the Falls City Police Department officers and that a Falls City Police Officer would be appointed as the next Richardson County Sheriff thus putting the  Sheriffs Office under control of the Falls City P.D.

Pounds said he enjoys his job,  wants to continue in the position and be left alone to do his job. He says he is not invading the Falls City Police Department territory, they are the ones pushing into him. 

The CRIMES Record Management System will cost $18,750 plus maintenance fees for the Sheriffs Office. Pounds suggested purchasing fewer options for the system that would have cost $5,500 less.