JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The debate over the budget for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has moved to a new arena, with the Charter Review Commission being asked to return to having an appointed police chief.

Prior to the 1968 consolidation of the Jacksonville and Duval County governments, the city did have a police department with a chief appointed by the mayor.

As the Charter Review Commission is conducting its once-a-decade review of how the city is governed, University of North Florida criminology professor Michael Hallett told the members an appointed police chief is needed because having an elected sheriff as the top law enforcement office gives him too much control of the city money is spent.

"It's a contradiction in the logic of consolidated government to have an independently elected sheriff who is able to lobby independently of the mayor's office for control of the budget and other issues," Hallett told Channel 4.

Sheriff John Rutherford disagrees, saying that appointing a police chief can only lead to problems. He said an elected law enforcement leader reflects the true will of the community.

"I am for anything that put more power in the hands of the people," Rutherford said. "Having an elected sheriff as compared to an appointed chief who will cow tow to whatever the mayor wants -- and, I can tell you, can breed corruption -- that is a bad system."

Mayor John Peyton said he agrees with the sheriff, saying we should keep things the way they are.

"As for the sheriff, he has been a great partner of mine and partner in the Jacksonville Journey," Peyton said. "If we were ever to have an appointed sheriff, (Rutherford) would be the guy I would pick."

The Charter Review Commission will present its recommendations to City Council early next year.