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Council approves Story County law‑enforcement contract and asks sheriff for clearer local priorities
Summary
After extended discussion about perceived gaps in deputy presence and how hours are documented, council approved the county contract for FY2027 with a clerical amendment and directed staff to pursue follow‑up talks to define the city’s priorities for sheriff coverage and possible local enforcement levers.
The Maxwell City Council approved the Story County law‑enforcement services contract for fiscal year 2027 after a wide‑ranging discussion about the level of deputy presence in town and how the county documents hours.
Several council members said they hear repeated complaints about speeders, property crimes and inconsistent patrol presence; one member said they observed a deputy posted outside of town while Maxwell needed coverage. "We're not getting the bang for the buck that we're paying," one council member said, summarizing frustration expressed around the dais.
Council members asked whether contract language could specify expected hours or performance targets; county officials and the city attorney previously advised that the sheriff is not obligated to commit a fixed number of hours in contract language. The council nevertheless voted to approve the contract as amended to correct the listed city clerk name on the agreement and directed the public safety committee or staff to meet with the sheriff’s office to identify the city's top priorities for deployment (e.g., speed enforcement near schools, response to burglaries) and to report back with recommended adjustments or negotiations.
Next steps: Staff and a council subcommittee will arrange discussions with the sheriff to pursue practical solutions (prioritization, data‑driven patrol focus, possible placement/visibility strategies) and will report back to the council.
