Supervisors ask Algona for written agreement on shared law-enforcement liaison and review LEC budget

Kossuth County supervisors examined law-enforcement center costs and the proposed split for a liaison housed at the city of Algona. Staff reported the LEC operating budget and said the city offered a 52%/48% cost split on a roughly $92,347 liaison line, and supervisors requested a written agreement outlining wages, benefits and billing.

County staff said the budget figure for shared law-enforcement services (separate from 9-1-1 equipment/technology) was $471,689, and explained the 52%/48% split was proposed because the liaison is physically housed in city office space and the city currently pays wages and benefits. "They're willing to split that 52% by the city, 48% by the county," staff said. Supervisors asked whether the arrangement requires a formal intergovernmental 28E agreement, a contract or a memorandum of understanding; staff agreed to seek the county attorney's guidance and bring a written proposal back to the board.

The board also reviewed a lease history and confirmed an existing lease for police department space shows an expiration date of 06/30/2042. Supervisors asked staff to clarify whether consumables and rent reimbursements (13% of prior consumables) are included in sheriff office billings and how those receipts flow through the treasurer's reports. Staff agreed to provide the contract history and to work with the city on a written agreement for the liaison position before the next budget deadline.