County approves trial public safety commission with tighter reporting and procurement checks

Daniels County commissioners voted Sept. 15 to approve a public safety commission agreement that would shift certain operational responsibilities for local law enforcement to a three-member commission while preserving county oversight of budget and hiring authority.

The agreement, presented by Logan, establishes a recommended annual budget and an annual capital-expenditure plan from the public safety commission; the county commissioners retained final budget authority and required the commission to provide quarterly financial reports and to obtain commissioner approval for expenditures above the county's routine procurement threshold. "There's a built-in out if it's not working," Logan said, urging the county to consider a trial period and note that the commission could be dissolved or modified if it proved ineffective.

Commissioners pressed for safeguards before adopting the agreement, asking that the draft explicitly restate procurement limits and final hiring approval language. Commissioner Tammy emphasized that the county must be confident the funds backing salaries and capital purchases will remain available and called for clear accounting so the general fund is not unexpectedly shorted. Staff member Christy clarified that city contributions and mill-levy receipts can be routed to support deputies but that the county must ensure payroll backing and appropriate line-item accounting.

The commission also discussed operational details, including a dedicated TAC officer who would report to the public safety commission rather than the sheriff for disciplinary matters; the draft attempts to reduce nepotism by making disciplinary and hiring decisions at the commission level. Commissioners asked for an articulation in the agreement of a $500 routine procurement threshold and written language that final hiring approval for certain positions would remain with county officials.

The board approved the motion with minor corrections; Logan said he would circulate an updated resolution reflecting the added procurement and hiring language and that the city would consider the measure at its next meeting. The agreement was described by proponents as a trial to be reviewed after a year, and opponents asked for ongoing monthly or quarterly check-ins to ensure transparency.

The approved motion and related edits will advance to the city for its review and final action. Commissioners said they would return any revised language to county staff for incorporation before the city vote.