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Commissioners flag contract policing costs, urge standardized cost accounting for city contracts
Summary
Kootenai County commissioners discussed the county's contract-policing approach with cities, citing the need for consistent cost accounting and service-level metrics as negotiations with Hayden proceed; public commenters urged the county not to subsidize Hayden policing.
Commissioners discussed the county’s approach to policing contracts with cities, particularly the ongoing discussions with the city of Hayden, and emphasized the need for clear, auditable cost figures and measurable service levels before finalizing agreements.
The chair said many other counties use the auditor’s cost numbers while the sheriff’s office negotiates service levels with cities; he warned that offering an arbitrary rate to one city could bind the county in future negotiations. He said the county should obtain finance‑department cost figures and then negotiate service levels and revenue-sharing terms that work for both parties.
Commissioners and public commenters repeatedly said the county lacks a regular countywide crime-statistics report. The chair said he had not received county crime statistics since starting his term and argued that baseline county service levels funded by the justice fund should be established and any additional, dedicated policing purchased by cities should be described as “enhanced service.”
Members of the public urged stricter cost accountability. Ron Hartman, who addressed the commission during public comment, read price-per-resident figures from a letter by Kootenai County Clerk Jennifer Locke showing differences in per-capita law-enforcement costs across local cities and said Hayden residents should pay the amount they are willing to fund. Hartman also urged the sheriff’s office to publish a formal FY 2026 operating budget like the one he shared from Blaine County that includes organization charts, service calls and line-item costs.
The chair and other commissioners said they plan to gather sample contracts and metrics from other Idaho jurisdictions and to hold a workshop with the city of Hayden; the chair said he does not intend to negotiate on behalf of the board unless directed. No formal contract was approved or changed at the meeting.
