County attorney outlines revised sheriff‑city services contract with four‑year term, 4% annual increases and county retention of fines

Court Griffin of the county attorney's office summarized proposed changes to interlocal agreements that govern city law‑enforcement services provided by the sheriff's office. Griffin said the new draft establishes an initial four‑year term with the county determining actual costs and then applies a 4% annual increase; the contract provides for a reset and recalculation at the end of each four‑year term.

Griffin said the revised language also changes the prosecution and fine allocation so the county would retain "100% of the fines and fees that are generated by these prosecutions." He said the change is a departure from the prior model in which cities retained some prosecution credits and the county did not capture all prosecution costs.

Commissioners asked how the 4% figure was derived and whether the county would be constrained if the state imposed new mandates that significantly raise law‑enforcement costs. Griffin said the 4% increase is based on the cost calculation method used at contract outset and discussed by the sheriff's office; he added that additional deputies added at a city's request would be incorporated into the cost calculation and the 4% would thereafter apply to the updated total.

Chief Deputy Eric McDowell said staffing increases previously approved by the commission show there is a mechanism for requests for additional deputies and that the contract includes a provision for adding personnel if city funds are available and the city requests them.

The chair and commissioners noted the city partner had accepted the language and was prepared to adopt it on their Tuesday meeting; Griffin said the county could explore incorporating an exhibit to track staffing and cost updates more clearly. No vote was taken during the work session; commissioners asked for continued review and clarifying language on exhibits and cost updates.