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Commission declines Benson County joint‑powers request, offers memorandum of understanding for limited assistance
Summary
Ramsey County commissioners declined to adopt a joint‑powers proposal that would make Ramsey responsible for Benson County law enforcement, instead offering a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for limited, on‑call assistance while warning of staffing and liability limits.
The Ramsey County Commission rejected a proposal that would have placed broad law‑enforcement responsibility for neighboring Benson County on Ramsey County and instead instructed staff to draft or offer a memorandum of understanding for limited assistance.
County Attorney Daniel told the commission that obligating Ramsey County to assume Benson County’s sheriff responsibilities would expose Ramsey to liability and overstretch its staffing. “Ramsey County doesn't need to be spread anymore than, the sheriff's department does more than enough work in Ramsey County to keep it busy every shift, every every day,” he said.
Sheriff’s Office speakers described informal, limited help already underway: several Ramsey deputies have taken part‑time assignments in Benson County on their off duty, using Benson County equipment and being paid by Benson for that work. A sheriff’s office speaker said about “7 deputies from Ramsey County that went over to Benson County and took on a part time status... So they'll show up as Benson County employees. They'll assume the liability. They will pay them. They'll be doing this on their off time.”
Why it matters: Benson County temporarily lacks adequate staffing in its sheriff’s office; commissioners heard a request for a joint powers agreement that would make Ramsey formally responsible for Benson County patrols. Commissioners instead voted to reject the joint‑powers proposal and to offer a model MOU that would allow targeted support without creating permanent intercounty liability.
The board approved a motion — amended in debate to state the county was willing to provide assistance under an MOU rather than accept the joint‑powers plan — and the motion carried. Commissioners and staff discussed the practicalities: cross‑deputization of a few Ramsey deputies, potential reliance on North Dakota Highway Patrol to fill gaps, arrangements for prisoner transport and equipment use, and a 30‑day residency requirement that affects timing for any new Benson County sheriff hire.
County Attorney Daniel said the draft MOU is still preliminary and could be extended to other neighboring counties; he recommended the MOU approach. Sheriff’s Office staff noted that the memorandum could be executed by the sheriff as needed without immediate commission approval, but commissioners asked to see a final version.
The vote does not prevent Ramsey deputies from continuing voluntary part‑time assignments in Benson County, but it rejects the specific joint‑powers scheme presented by Benson County's officials.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to continue discussions and for the sheriff to report back; they also indicated willingness to provide targeted assistance under a formal MOU rather than assuming full jurisdictional responsibility.
