Council previews police contract amendment, new sergeant and pursuit vehicle; staffing and shift bids discussed

City officials presented updates July 7 on a planned amendment to the law-enforcement contract with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the anticipated arrival of a new sergeant and the purchase of a new pursuit vehicle. The city manager said the proposed contract amendment from the sheriff’s department had undergone review by the city law director and council members and was expected to be introduced Aug. 4 with a vote projected for Aug. 18. The amendment covers format updates and some substantive changes; council had no major objections at the meeting. City staff announced intent to purchase a new Durango Pursuit vehicle (a stock unit arriving from Kentucky) and that the county sergeant would use their county vehicle until the city cruiser is equipped. The city manager said the stock vehicle would arrive without stripes or equipment and would later be upfitted for service. Council members asked about shifts and staffing. The manager said deputies and sergeants bid shifts annually; a formal shift bid is expected in November for 2026 scheduling. The manager and deputy O’Brien noted high call volumes for some deputies (examples cited: 170 calls in June for one deputy), and council members expressed concern that deputies on the day shift appear particularly stretched. The city expects the new sergeant to provide scheduling flexibility and strategic oversight during an interim four-month contract period. No final vote on the contract amendment was taken July 7; the council directed continued coordination with the sheriff’s office and scheduled the amendment for formal introduction on Aug. 4.