It's a routine task for local sheriff's offices, but some officials say "mental hygiene transports" can strain a department's resources.

State code requires that deputies transport a patient who is deemed a threat to themselves or others to local mental health facilities.

In Wetzel County, the sheriff said the county is on a record-setting pace for these particular calls this year, and he's concerned with how it may affect public safety.

Sheriff James Hoskins said deputies can bring mental hygiene transports to Mid-Valley Health Care in New Martinsville sometimes, but not always. Other times, they have to travel to Wheeling, which takes deputies out of the county for several hours at a time.

When deputies transport a mental hygiene patient for another county, they're reimbursed for the costs like mileage and the deputy's time. But, transporting county residents comes out of the department's budget.

Commissioners said they have addressed the problem with the mental hygiene commissioner and Northwood Health Systems. Commissioner Don Mason said county officials want Northwood to examine their policies and the types of cases they’re taking in.

Hoskins said, "We're trying to work to solve some of the issues to make them a little bit better so that we have the protection Wetzel County deserves."