COLUMBIA COUNTY, Wis. -- Budget cuts haven't stopped the Columbia County Sheriff's Department from getting much-needed equipment. Since much of the budget is spent fighting drugs, Sheriff Steve Rowe decided it was only fair to have offenders pick up some of the costs of investigation. Now, thanks to drug dealers, he's also driving in style.

Rowe is probably the only sheriff in the state who drives around in a Cadillac Escalade. But, he doesn't feel guilty one bit.

"Right away, the public thought the county bought the Cadillac, but of course we didn't buy the Cadillac," said Rowe.

In fact, the SUV was seized from a drug dealer Rowe locked away. The vehicle is saving the county thousands of dollars.

"We got a car we will not have to budget for and it saves the taxpayers about $22,000," said Rowe. "That's the bottom line."

From state seizures alone, the sheriff's department has raised more than $45,000. In addition, more than $76,000 was generated from federal seizures. The total is $121,000, which is money the department normally wouldn't have.

"We have used money to purchase drug dogs, bulletproof vests, weapons," said Rowe.

The department also bought a K-9 dog and an incident command center. Residents say it's a good deal.

"That way the taxpayers aren't paying for added equipment that they need," said Pattie Kluender, of Portage.

"We take their property and say, 'You screwed up. Now, it's ours,'" said Robert James Pearson, of Portage.

Rowe said it sends a strong message.

"If you think you're going to profit by selling drugs in this county, we're going to take what you make off of drugs and profit by it," said Rowe.

Another $64,000 will be coming in from a home that was recently seized.

One rule when it comes to seized property is that the sheriff's department must use the funds to help fight drug crimes. The money cannot be given back to the county to help in other areas.