Sheriff Jeff updated commissioners on law enforcement activity and public-safety staffing and operations.

He said the sheriff’s office is fully staffed and has moved to an online SCHL (concealed-handgun license) application process to make licensing more convenient. The sheriff described denial and appeal procedures for licenses, saying denials are rare and that appeal materials are handled through the circuit court process.

On court-reporting, the sheriff said the courts will assume failure-to-appear (FTA) reporting statewide, a change that will end the sheriff’s prior role in that administrative work. He told commissioners FTA rates have fallen since 2021 — citing a drop from roughly 33% to about 11–14% monthly — and attributed part of the improvement to deputies and pretrial staff doing follow-up and reminders.

Sheriff Jeff also described summer marine-patrol operations and river-safety responses, noting his office is using shore patrol and on-duty staff to cover river safety as neighboring counties reduce marine resources. He highlighted work by the Benton County Regional Traffic Team at a recent seafood and wine festival, citing approximately 140 traffic stops, 21 traffic citations, 11 field sobriety exams, four DUIs and three warrant arrests involving multiple agencies.

He closed with community items — employee awards, retirements, lifesaving recognitions and notice of a Citizens Academy beginning Sept. 2 — and reminded commissioners of upcoming community events.

No new policy decisions or ordinance changes were made at the meeting.