Daniels County dissolves interlocal law‑enforcement agreement, commissioners move city funds to Public Safety Commission

Daniels County commissioners voted Jan. 20 to dissolve the county’s interlocal agreement for joint law‑enforcement services with the City of Scobby and to transition the city’s contribution to the county’s newly formed Public Safety Commission.

The move followed action by Scobby to end the agreement on its side; county staff said it was appropriate for the county to mirror that change now that the Public Safety Commission has taken on the coordinating role. Commissioners approved the stipulation to dissolve by motion and voice vote.

Why it matters: county accounting and budgeting will change. Commissioners and county staff spent significant time clarifying how Scobby’s previously billed payments — commonly cited by staff at roughly $148,000 a year — will be handled if the city switches from monthly billing to a direct transfer into the Public Safety Commission’s account. The treasurer said billing the city gave a transparent, line‑item accounting of deputies’ wages and related payroll; under the new arrangement, the city’s payment would be transferred directly to the Public Safety Commission’s fund and not billed in the same way.

County attorney Logan said the city had earmarked money for law enforcement and that the city had instead committed to move those funds to the Public Safety Commission: “They’re not going to bill it out anymore. They’re just going to transfer that money to the county for the public safety commission.” Commissioners discussed options to create a separate account for the city funds to preserve transparency, and staff recommended finalizing a single public‑safety fund at budget time that would consolidate sheriff wages, mill‑levy funds and city transfers.

Officials also discussed short‑term practicalities. The treasurer noted that because current sheriff payroll is paid out of the general fund, a direct transfer to a Public Safety Commission fund would require later budget adjustments so payroll and accounting remain aligned. Commissioners said they would ask the city to identify the precise amount earmarked and, if appropriate, to remit any excess funds the city has previously set aside for joint law enforcement.

The board’s action was procedural: the stipulation was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners said they will follow up with the city on the dollar figure and with county budget staff on how to record and report the transfers in the current fiscal year.

What comes next: commissioners instructed staff to clarify the dollar amount Scobby intends to transfer, to create a standing account and reporting format for those funds, and to bring any budget amendments to the next budget cycle.