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Board votes to fill sheriff deputy vacancy despite one dissenting vote
Summary
After reviewing personnel-committee recommendations and staffing needs, the Koochiching County Board voted 4-1 to fill a vacant sheriff deputy position; staff said not filling the role would save about $166,000 annually but could affect coverage and response times.
Koochiching County commissioners on April 28 voted 4-1 to approve hiring to fill a vacant sheriff deputy position after the personnel committee reviewed coverage, response-time needs and costs.
Staff noted the sheriff requested the hire to maintain coverage and flexibility across the county; county personnel said not filling the vacancy would yield an estimated annual savings of about $166,000. Commissioner McIntyre moved to fill the position and received a second; after brief discussion the board voted to approve the hire, with one commissioner voting against.
Supporters argued that filling the vacancy preserves public-safety coverage and response flexibility across widespread county territory; the dissenting commissioner cited taxpayer costs and the personnel committee’s earlier consideration of savings. The board recorded the vote as 4-1 and directed personnel staff to proceed with hiring and onboarding steps.
Ending: Personnel staff will process the vacancy hire and report updates to the board; the motion did not specify additional follow-up beyond standard hiring procedures.
