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Griggs County sheriff asks commission to apply for grant to fund a fourth deputy; motion approved
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Summary
Sheriff Amberly told the Griggs County Commission the sheriff's office has one sheriff and two deputies covering roughly 708 square miles and about 2,307 residents and asked the commission to approve applying for a federal COPS hiring grant to fund an additional deputy. Commissioners voted to apply and the motion carried.
Sheriff Amberly asked the Griggs County Commission on April 20 to approve applying for a federal COPS hiring grant that would fund a fourth deputy for the sheriff's office. Amberly said the office currently consists of one sheriff and two deputies who cover about 708 square miles and roughly 2,307 residents, and that deputies are routinely scheduled for 60 hours a week.
Amberly outlined operational and safety impacts of the staffing gap, including single-officer responses, long response times, heavy summer event demands and long transports to the nearest jail (about 45 minutes). She told the commission the COPS hiring grant would cover up to 75% of salary and benefits for three years and that Cooperstown has offered $16,000 annually toward a deputy in exchange for city ordinance enforcement and increased patrol presence.
On costs, Amberly estimated a new deputy's salary and benefits at about $85,000 a year and startup equipment near $100,000, for a rough total near $200,000. She said the COPS grant and the city contribution would substantially reduce the county's initial outlay and that a waiver option could further reduce the county match in year one.
Commissioners discussed recruitment prospects and scheduling changes that a fourth officer would enable, including moving deputies toward a 40-hour week and providing reliable weekend backup. Commissioner discussion emphasized the difficulty of recruiting into a job that required frequent 60-hour weeks.
Commissioner Lauren moved to authorize Amberly to apply for the COPS hiring grant; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The sheriff said the grant application window opens any day and closes in June.
The commission did not authorize hiring immediately; Amberly said the county would only proceed with hiring if the grant is awarded and budget arrangements are in place. The commission directed staff to work with the sheriff's office and the city of Cooperstown on the details and to incorporate the request into next year's budget planning if the grant is successful.
