Valley County commissioners temporarily withhold taser payment pending sheriff clarification

Valley County commissioners on Dec. 8 voted to withhold payment of a $12,488 invoice related to the sheriff’s office taser program until the sheriff clarifies whether the county is being billed for new devices or for an annual renewal and training plan.

In discussion before the vote, Unidentified Speaker 2 said they had not received a clear answer and asked to “hold that one until I get an answer.” Unidentified Speaker 1 told the board that research showed approximately $12,000 had been expended each year from the sheriff’s budget for taser-related costs but could not confirm whether the vendor was replacing existing devices or merely providing warranty/service swaps.

Unidentified Speaker 2 moved to withhold the taser payment and Unidentified Speaker 4 seconded; two recorded “Aye” responses followed and the board approved the motion to withhold the invoice pending further information from the sheriff.

County staff later relayed the sheriff’s written response: the taser cost line is paid from the patrol line item; detention training is billed separately; an “invoice plan 20%” item equals one year of a five‑year payment plan; and training includes cartridge discharges and non‑reloadable cartridges. Commissioners noted the invoice total of $12,488 and again deferred final payment until the sheriff’s office provides definitive details about equipment replacement, training requirements and contract terms.

The board did not rescind the underlying claim approval for other claims; the action made payment of the taser line contingent on the sheriff’s clarification. The clerk’s office was directed to follow up with the sheriff’s office and return the item for future action.