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Oliver County discusses portable scales and an additional deputy as major projects approach
Summary
Commissioners heard a lengthy sheriff27s office briefing on enforcement equipment and staffing needs tied to anticipated local projects. Staff recommended buying portable scales (used) and hiring a fifth deputy to reduce overtime and enforce overweight loads, but commissioners tabled funding decisions pending state-grant guidance and firm cost figures.
Sheriff27s office staff told Oliver County commissioners that a wave of construction and energy projects expected this year will increase heavy truck traffic on county roads, and recommended steps to protect infrastructure. Officials described portable weigh scales that can be moved in a Tahoe, certification requirements for their use and that a used set would save roughly $15,000 versus new units.
The recommendation included hiring a fifth deputy to operate the scales and to reduce overtime costs. Staff said the added officer could also take on some emergency-management responsibilities; the office proposed billing 20% of that deputy27s time back as emergency-management work. Commissioners and staff debated financing sources — designated line items, NextEra funds, and potential savings from lower overtime — and whether using grant funding (the EMPG grant) could be affected by hiring decisions.
"If we27re fully staffed, our overtime should go down," said Speaker 8, describing the staffing case and noting the approximate $15,000 savings on used scales versus new equipment. Speaker 3 outlined tradeoffs in the county budget and urged caution: "We just gotta figure out how to pay for it." Commissioner-level speakers asked staff to contact the state about EMPG-grant terms before making a final decision.
No formal hiring or purchase motion was approved at the meeting. Commissioners agreed to table final decisions and directed staff to gather precise cost figures and confirm grant eligibility with the state before the next scheduled meeting. The sheriff27s presentation covered ancillary matters including a county boat being put up for sale and outreach for bids; staff said bids would be reviewed at the January meeting.
Next steps: staff will contact state grant administrators to confirm whether the EMPG contract or reimbursement rules would change if duties are reassigned, return refined cost estimates for the scales and personnel, and present a financing plan at the next commissioners meeting.
