Broadwater County Sheriff Rausser addresses mill levy budget cuts and community impact

Broadwater County Sheriff Nick Rausser delivered a stark warning during the Commission Board Meeting on May 14, 2025, highlighting the immediate consequences of the recent mill levy failure. With a budget shortfall of $1.2 million, Rausser announced significant cuts to law enforcement resources, including the elimination of a school resource officer and the cancellation of a planned deputy position.

"We no longer have a presence at the school," Rausser stated, emphasizing the impact on community safety. The sheriff expressed frustration over the low voter turnout for the mill levy, noting that only 471 residents from the South End participated in the election. "It's disheartening for all the work we're trying to do," he said, urging the community to rally for public safety and engage in future voting efforts.

The sheriff's department will now face a grim year ahead, with fewer deputies available for patrols and increased reliance on existing staff to manage jail operations. "We're going to have to revamp the way the jail is," Rausser explained, indicating that the department would be stretched thin in responding to community needs.

In a related discussion, the board appointed Treasurer Melissa Franks to replace Commissioner Jesse Swenson for the canvassing of votes related to the mill levy election. This procedural step was necessary to ensure compliance with election statutes.

As the meeting concluded, Rausser reiterated the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of public safety in Broadwater County. "The community has got to rally behind what they want," he urged, signaling that without active participation, the challenges facing law enforcement will only intensify.