LaSalle County's Public Safety committee voted unanimously to increase the hourly fee assessed to private entities that hire on-duty deputies for security from $65 to $100 per deputy hour and to $200 per hour on holidays.

Sheriff's Office staff explained the change was intended to better cover the county's actual costs, including overtime rates (time-and-a-half for deputies), payroll taxes, and vehicle wear and tear. The committee heard that typical overtime costs for a deputy can reach roughly $68 per hour (time-and-a-half) plus employer payroll taxes and benefits; holidays can require premium pay that would be costly to the county if reimbursed at the old rate.

"So and this place is willing to pay it, but I don't want to see the county lose funds to do it," the sheriff said, describing a recent private request for coverage on a holiday. Committee members said the county will continue to donate staff for public community events (fairs, parades, municipal festivals) but should recoup full costs when private businesses contract deputies for security.

The motion to raise the fee (mover: Craig; second: Wally) passed by roll-call vote with all committee members recorded as voting in favor. The committee directed staff to implement the new fee schedule and to notify municipalities and regular users of the change.