Sheriff’s Office updates at the Ramsey County commission meeting included a grant disbursement resolution, a prisoner-housing contract update, and approval to prepare patrol radios for siren functionality.

The sheriff told commissioners the county was awarded $16,524.72 under a Back to Blue program to provide retention bonuses to 12 deputies. "Each deputy will receive $1,377.06," the sheriff said, and proposed splitting payments into two installments — one before Christmas and one the following July. The commission voted to adopt a resolution authorizing the sheriff to disperse the funds as recommended.

The sheriff also presented an updated prisoner-housing contract with Rowlett County, noting the daily rate moved from $85 to $90 and mileage reimbursement changed from $0.585 to $0.70 per mile for transports. Commissioners authorized the auditor to sign the contract to keep Rowlett under contract as a contingency for housing inmates if Ramsey County’s facility is unavailable.

Finally, the sheriff described an Electronic Communication Incorporated estimate — roughly $8,940 — to prepare squad cars' radios for siren activation and Wi‑Fi integration so wireless mics and Bluetooth connections work inside vehicles. Commissioners approved moving forward with the ECI work and indicated funds for the work were available in the sheriff’s budget.

All three items — the Back to Blue resolution, the Rowlett contract signature authorization and the ECI service contract — were approved by motion and vote during the meeting. The sheriff said more details and scheduling will follow as vendors finalize scope and timing.