Sheriff proposes pilot monthly allowance to help first responders live in Teton County
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Summary
Sheriff Matt Carr proposed a pilot 'readiness' housing allowance (budgeted at $198,000 for six positions using a $2,750/month state housing allowance figure) to recruit and retain first responders; the board directed staff to work out program rules and consider the request during the budget process.
Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr told the Board on April 13 that the sheriff’s office is largely staffed by employees living outside the county and proposed a pilot housing-readiness allowance to improve recruitment and retention.
“Of those 30 (front-line responders), I currently have 2 that live in Teton County,” Carr said, describing long commutes and turnover driven by housing costs. Carr said he placed $198,000 in his budget as a pilot (six positions multiplied by a $2,750 monthly housing allowance) to provide bridging support while recruits seek permanent, deed-restricted housing or other long-term solutions.
Local donor and resident Henry “Hank” McKinnon, who conducted independent research and convened analysis for the proposal, urged a $3,000 cap. McKinnon framed the proposal as an investment in public safety and community resilience, saying targeted local housing support can reduce turnover and improve emergency response times.
Commissioners broadly supported piloting the idea as part of the sheriff’s budget process but asked for clear program rules: eligibility and duration, integration with county housing, whether the allowance counts as income for housing-program eligibility, and how to prioritize county-owned or deed-restricted units. Staff and commissioners agreed the proposal should proceed to budget with the proviso that program sideboards be developed with housing staff and county attorneys.
Next steps: staff were directed to work with the sheriff, the housing department and county counsel to draft program rules and return details for budget consideration.
