County sheriffs may be absorbed by the Commonwealth

The Fall River Herald News reports that the county sheriff system may be absorbed by the state if the House decides to follow the Senate's lead in the legislation. One unresolved issue is who will pay for the pensions of existing retired workers. That obligation currently carries a $1 million price tag.
The Herald News quotes Westport representative Rodriques,

“This is universally supported because the county sheriffs already receive 83 percent of its funding from the state, and when the two are joined it will allow for more accountability for the taxpayers and voters and more control where we can adequately monitor the spending,”

Sheriff Hodgson is quoted ...

... in the article as supporting the move but also notes that the county system provides opportunities for regional co-operation. What do you think about the elimination of the county sheriffs?