The consolidation of the Candler County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Metter Police Department won’t be happening. Sheriff John Miles had created a proposal to present to the City Council of Metter would streamline, prevent duplication of services,  and provide a benefit to the residents.

According to Sheriff Miles, for years the City of Metter has contracted with his department for jail and dispatch services, and that contract expired on December 31, 2024. However, the Sheriff’s Office did continue to provide those services as it worked on a long-term solution which the Sheriff proposed in the consolidation recently.

Sheriff Miles said the plan would have saved the city between $400,000 - $500,000 annually, not including the availability of resources already utilized by the city through the sheriff's office.

But the City Council unanimously rejected the concept, and the Sheriff said that even though they did, his office will not cease law enforcement functions within the city limits of Metter, noting that deputies would continue to operate within the city limits whenever necessary, and there will no disruption of services.

Metter Mayor Ed Boyd delivered the decision to the sheriff in a  letter which stated, that the city’s decision was reached after considering various factors, and Metter’s specific needs.

Sheriff Miles said at the end of the day, it’s about public safety, and protecting all citizens of Candler County, and he is continuing to work on drafts for new contracts with the city of Metter to provide dispatch and jail services if the City wishes to continue to contract with the Sheriff’s Office.