The Dallas County Sheriff's Department is 35% of the workforce of Dallas County, but receives only 25% of the County Budget. The Department generates 20% of its annual budget through contracts, fines and other means.

Shortly after being elected, Sheriff Lupe Valdez restructured the Department's contracting system to end sweetheart deals set up under the previous administration. The new commisary contract negotiated under the rules put in place by Sheriff Valdez generates over $1.5 million more in revenue than the previous contract. This offsets costs that would otherwise be borne by taxpayers.