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Committee presses for a formal policy before county sells surplus sheriff rifles
Summary
The sheriff described a small cache of older AR-style rifles he intends to remove from service; staff recommended a county resolution to define transfer/sale procedures (ATF forms, recipient vetting) and to allow proceeds to be used for new equipment. The committee asked for a draft resolution and tabled formal action.
County staff and the sheriff discussed options to dispose of several surplus long guns that the sheriff said are over 20 years old and of limited resale value. The sheriff said replacements are part of an ongoing inventory refresh and that some of the older rifles have surface rust and limited accessories.
Staff recommended drafting a county resolution that would spell out how the sheriff’s office may transfer or sell surplus firearms, including use of ATF transfer forms for accountability, recipient vetting (preferably a former deputy or holder with lawful status), record retention, and whether proceeds can be applied to the sheriff department’s equipment account rather than the general fund. Legal counsel emphasized the need for a written process because firearms are different from ordinary surplus property.
Committee members raised two practical concerns: ensuring transfer records are preserved so future tracing is possible, and whether transfers should go through an FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) or be handled in-house. Speakers noted Wisconsin law does not require private-party sales to go through an FFL but staff said an FFL provides a separate record trail; the committee discussed in-house ATF transfer forms and the responsibilities of record keeping.
The sheriff said he would draft a resolution and run it past legal counsel; the committee will review the draft at the next meeting. The committee did not approve a sale during this session and tabled the matter pending the ordinance/resolution language and a recommendation about whether proceeds should flow back to the sheriff’s equipment fund.
