Sheriff: failed mill levy tightened patrols and staffing; mill levy will be re-examined next year

Broadwater County Sheriff Nick Rauser told commissioners the sheriff's office has been operating under constrained resources after a mill levy failed in May and that the department has curtailed proactive patrols and deferred planned hires.

"We lost our mill levy in May," Sheriff Rauser said. He said the department had made a conditional offer for a south-end deputy contingent on levy approval and that the position has been cut from the budget because the levy did not pass. He said the office is exploring options, including adding jail space to generate revenue, but characterized that as not a sustainable long-term solution.

Rauser said deputies remain on duty and respond to serious calls, but he described a shift to handling some matters over the phone where appropriate and prioritizing calls by severity. He told commissioners the office will likely put a mill levy back on the ballot next year and will hold meetings with the commission, staff and residents to discuss options.

Commissioners noted that Broadwater County does not have municipal police departments in most towns and that the sheriff's office provides countywide law enforcement and services. Several commissioners and the sheriff discussed the region's location between larger population centers and the impacts of through-traffic and recreation on call volumes.

Ending: The sheriff said the department will continue to assess staffing and revenue options and expects further discussions with the commission and community as it prepares any future levy proposal.