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Trustees approve open‑ended contract with Larimer County Sheriff's Office; deputies ramp up response to recent vandalism
Summary
The board approved a municipal law‑enforcement services agreement with Larimer County Sheriff's Office that continues existing service levels and keeps a 180‑day termination clause; LCSO representatives described increased patrols and a new school resource officer to help investigate juvenile vandalism.
WELLINGTON, Colo. — The Town of Wellington approved a law‑enforcement services agreement with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office on July 22, keeping the existing service relationship in place and preserving a 180‑day termination clause; county deputies described stepped‑up patrols and investigative plans to address a recent string of juvenile vandalism incidents.
Town Administrator Patty Garcia presented the agreement and described it as similar to prior contracts but with the administrative change that it is open‑ended rather than a fixed five‑year term; the agreement can be terminated by either party with 180 days' notice. The contract's stated start date is Jan. 1, 2026; Garcia said the 180‑day termination language had appeared in the prior agreement but the new wording removes a fixed end date.
Sergeant Russell Downing (Larimer County Sheriff's Office) reported the department has increased patrols and is exploring placement of cameras and other deterrents. He said investigators believe juveniles are responsible for much of the vandalism and that the department's newly assigned school resource officer, Deputy Whartonby, will work with local schools to develop leads once the academic year begins.
Trustees pressed on the contract language and on community concerns about vandalism. One trustee asked why the contract moved from a five‑year fixed term to an open‑ended agreement with a 180‑day termination clause; Garcia said the change aligns contract language with other municipal agreements and avoids regular reauthorization that staff found administratively burdensome.
A motion to approve Resolution No. 27‑2025 — authorizing the municipal law‑enforcement services agreement between Larimer County and Wellington — passed by roll call. The recorded votes on the motion were unanimous in favor: Trustee Teets, Trustee Wiegand, Trustee Cannon, Mayor Pro Tem Mason and Mayor Schoese each voted yes.
Deputies stressed the investigative challenges when suspects are juveniles but expressed optimism that school‑based relationships and increased community tips will produce leads. Sergeant Downing and staff did not request further action by the board beyond passage of the agreement and continuing coordination on vandalism response.
