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Sheriff warns of jail staffing risk; board approves radios amplifier purchase and other sheriff items
Summary
Sheriff Heath told commissioners a proposed Department of Corrections rule change could force local jails to hire more staff or close facilities, potentially adding $350,000–$450,000 in local costs. The board approved purchases including two stand‑up desks, per‑capita funding for the Buffalo Ridge task force, and a $39,806.75 bidirectional amplifier to restore interior radio coverage.
Sheriff Heath briefed the board on multiple public‑safety items: equipment purchases, task‑force funding and an inspector general memorandum about proposed Department of Corrections rules that could require additional jail staffing or closure.
Heath asked the board to approve two stand‑up desks for sheriff’s office personnel to be paid from gun permit funds; the board approved the purchase by voice vote. He also presented the 2025 per‑capita payment to the Buffalo Ridge Drug and Violent Crime Task Force (per‑capita around $4.50) and said Rock County has joined the joint powers arrangement; the board approved continuing the county’s contribution.
On communications, Heath described a failing bidirectional amplifier that left interior radio coverage unreliable in steel buildings and schools. He presented two options: a stopgap replacement of the amplifier (roughly $39,000) or a more expensive ASR/ARMOR tower conversion (estimated roughly $250,000 plus annual fees). After technical discussion about pager bands, building penetration and tower ownership/leases, the board approved purchasing a new bidirectional amplifier from DCS Communications for $39,806.75.
Heath also shared a memorandum from the Office of the Inspector General about proposed Department of Corrections rule changes that could increase local jail staffing requirements or lead to jail closures; Heath and the sheriff’s association are engaging legislators and AMC to oppose the changes. Heath estimated potential added local staffing costs at roughly $350,000 to $450,000 if the rules apply to the county jail.
