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Resident raises concerns about Sheriff and Attorney budgets; Sheriff offers to review figures privately
Summary
At the April 7 meeting Terry Hertle presented county budget comparisons showing higher Sheriff and Attorney budgets in Benton County compared with peers and pressed for explanations including outside legal costs; Assistant Attorney Derek Marsh explained ethics rules that can require outside counsel and Sheriff Upah offered to meet privately to review the budget.
During public comment on April 7, Benton County resident and former supervisor Terry Hertle presented a comparison of Benton County budgets with Tama and Buchanan counties and said Benton County’s Sheriff and County Attorney budgets appeared higher. Hertle referenced an article and suggested the Board consider freezing or spreading budget allocations over the fiscal year to control spending.
Hertle asked Assistant Attorney Derek Marsh about outside legal costs stemming from conflicts of interest. Marsh explained the county’s ethical obligations and the regulations that can require hiring outside counsel where conflicts arise; he described this as a factor that can increase outside legal expenses. Sheriff Upah and First Deputy Karsten were present and offered explanations about department expenses and additional revenue the department brings in.
The Auditor, Hayley Rippel, reminded speakers that the matter was not an agenda item and public comments are time-limited. Sheriff Upah offered to meet privately with Hertle to review budget details; Hertle agreed the meeting could occur but wanted his concerns entered into the record.
No formal budget adjustments or votes were taken during the meeting. Hertle’s public comments were recorded; county officials said they would continue to respond through staff or private meetings as requested.
