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Daniels County commissioners weigh interlocal law-enforcement agreement and a public safety commission
Summary
Commissioners reviewed an interlocal law-enforcement agreement with the City of Scobby and debated creating a five-member Public Safety Commission — including county and city appointees plus the sheriff — to manage mill-levy funds and spending authority, with questions about oversight and budget flow.
The Daniels County Board of Commissioners reviewed an interlocal agreement for general law-enforcement services and discussed a proposal to create a Public Safety Commission that would let the sheriff and appointed members manage certain public-safety expenditures.
The board opened the discussion by noting the current interlocal contract with the City of Scobby needed an updated equipment inventory and an updated draft for commissioners to review. A commissioner said Montana law allows a public-safety commission to be formed in connection with a mill levy and described a proposed body of two county appointees, two city appointees and the sheriff as the fifth voting member.
"It would provide the sheriff's department with the ability to be a little more effective in how it's expending its money," the commissioner said, adding that the commission could enable modest incentives for retention without directly changing statutory pay limits.
Other commissioners pressed for clarity about accountability. One commissioner said past problems arose when the sheriff's office made purchases without adequate checks and asked how the county would continue to control taxpayer dollars if the sheriff's office obtained greater autonomy.
"If they're going to disconnect and handle billing like a hospital district — writing their own checks — what role do the commissioners have in approving payments?" the commissioner asked, urging clear rules for reporting and thresholds for expenditures.
Supporters said the commission would be subject to the county and city through appointees and could be dissolved by both entities with notice. The idea, proponents said, would be to streamline operational decisions (such as equipment procurement and training) while preserving oversight through appointee accountability and existing statutory limits on salaries.
Commissioners asked county staff to circulate an updated interlocal agreement and a current inventory of law-enforcement equipment before taking formal action. One commissioner said she would return with a more concrete plan and legal review in the coming months.
No formal vote was taken on forming a Public Safety Commission at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to update and circulate the interlocal agreement and to be prepared to answer specific governance and budget questions when the issue returns to the agenda.
