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Select Board delays vote on sheriff contract increase, seeks usage and outcome data
Summary
The board discussed a proposed rate increase and confusing contract-hour language for the Chittnan County sheriff contract for July 2026; members asked staff to collect historical billing, enforcement outcomes and invite a sheriff representative to the next meeting before approving any change.
Jericho Select Board members reviewed a proposed increase to the Chittnan County sheriff contract for July 2026 and agreed not to approve the change until they receive more information about hours billed, historical rates, and enforcement outcomes.
Board members noted the packet lists a higher hourly rate than previously approved and flagged ambiguous contract language about ‘50 hours’ that board members read differently (50 hours per month versus per week). One member said they were uncomfortable increasing the town’s payment without a representative present to explain the rise and to show recent billing and activity reports (tickets, DUIs, texting enforcement). The board asked staff to obtain the last several years of contract figures, typical patrol schedules, and sample billing records and to invite the sheriff’s office administrator to the next meeting so members can better evaluate value for money.
No motion to approve the contract was made; the item will return to a future agenda with Eric Johnson present and with requested documentation.
