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Ashland County sheriff reports low MAT enrollment, plans drones and K9 fundraising
Summary
Sheriff’s office told the Public Property and Law Enforcement Committee it will pursue grants and equipment upgrades after low participation in a MAT grant; deputies plan to add an infrared drone and a K9 fundraising effort while exploring a part‑time deputy arrangement for a small city.
Sheriff Brian (last name not provided) told the Ashland County Public Property and Law Enforcement Committee on April 28 that the county’s MAT (medication‑assisted treatment) program saw low enrollment and that staff are seeking other grant and operational options.
"As far as participants, that's actually pretty low," Sheriff Brian said, reporting 18 people assessed through the MAT program this quarter and that the county has extended the grant because uptake was lower than expected. He said the county can pursue other options if demand later increases.
The sheriff’s report also listed quarterly enforcement and detention figures. Committee member Jill (role/title not specified) gave jail statistics: "number of bookings, 134; daily average hold on facility, 40; total daily average is 41," and said 18 people were assessed for the MAT program this quarter.
Sheriff Brian described multiple small grants and equipment plans to increase capability. He said the department secured a roughly $16,000 grant through the Badger State Sheriffs Association to buy flashlights and "possibly an infrared drone," and that the department already operates two drones, one with infrared capability. "We have 2 trained operators right now," he said, and added that the department would place one infrared drone in its southern satellite office and one at the main office.
The sheriff also reported that the department’s K9 training will finish this month and that the agency is exploring a canine foundation to raise funds for future K9s. "He's selling those for go to the program for his future trainings... We're looking into starting a canine foundation as far as for fundraising," the sheriff said.
On staffing for small municipalities, the sheriff said he is negotiating an arrangement with a nearby city’s council to provide partial deputy time rather than a full municipal force, which would reduce costs for that city. "I can have a deputy that would give them half the time, and everybody would be happy over it," he said, adding that the city council would have to approve the plan.
Committee members asked about uses for the drone technology and past search‑and‑rescue examples. A member described a recent Marshfield EMS search that located two people rapidly using drones, noting the technology’s value for lake and remote rescues.
The committee did not take formal action on operational purchases; the sheriff said final decisions will depend on grant awards and further committee review.
