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Big Horn County approves live-scan upgrade and emergency-vehicle authorization; dispatch position not funded
Summary
Sheriff Ken Blackburn reported Search and Rescue activity and requested equipment and staffing; commissioners agreed to purchase tires and approved a live-scan upgrade using Opioid Settlement funds and an annual emergency-vehicle authorization, but declined to add a part-time dispatch position due to budget constraints.
Sheriff Ken Blackburn updated the commission on public-safety operations and received several approvals and denials for resource requests.
Blackburn said the inmate-phone contract is up for renewal but he is not ready to approve it pending further inquiry. He reported that Search and Rescue completed its 46th mission of the year, placing the squad among the busiest in Wyoming, and requested funds to replace tires for both SAR squads; commissioners agreed by consensus that the purchase could proceed and Blackburn was advised to coordinate with Road & Bridge on procurement sources.
Blackburn presented the annual emergency vehicle use authorization for 2026; Commissioner Dave Neves moved to approve the authorization, the motion was seconded and carried. Blackburn also said the Division of Criminal Investigation provided live-scan digital fingerprint equipment for counties via a grant but an upgrade was needed that DCI does not cover. By consensus the commission approved paying for the necessary service and upgrade from Opioid Settlement funding.
Blackburn requested assistance with dispatch record-keeping that would include adding a part-time position, but the commission noted staffing and budget shortages across departments and did not approve adding the position since it is not in the current budget.
