Delegation discusses House Bill 110 to let counties keep detail revenues; defers formal adoption

Representative Freeman asked the Belknap County delegation to adopt House Bill 110, legislation signed by the governor that extends to counties the ability to create revolving funds to retain revenues from paid details. Sponsor explanation said the fund would maintain a baseline balance (for example, $10,000) and transfer surplus to the general fund, thereby smoothing budget requests during the fiscal year.

Representative (speaker 2), the bill sponsor in committee, explained that HB110 "allows...counties to do the same thing" municipalities and state police already use for detail accounting and that the change went into effect after the governor signed it earlier this year. The sheriff addressed delegates and said he intends to limit any county revolving fund proceeds to pay salaries associated with details, not for equipment or cruiser purchases: "I am only seeking...the revolving fund to be secured only for salaries that are associated with the working of details," the sheriff said.

Delegates raised procedural and drafting concerns: how thresholds will function, timing for returning excess funds to the general fund, and precise allowable uses. Several members said they were not prepared to adopt the model language on the spot and requested that the sponsor and county staff draft clear guidelines and include them in the December meeting packet.

Instead of formal adoption, the delegation conducted a nonbinding straw show‑of‑hands to indicate positive consideration and asked for the bill language to be circulated for review before a formal decision. No binding policy change was enacted at the meeting.

Next steps: sponsor to provide written draft language and county administration to include the item in the December meeting materials for formal consideration.