Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sheriff Contract topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Spring Grove Council votes to keep current sheriff contract after debate
Summary
After debate about county staffing levels and an unclear budget deadline, the Spring Grove City Council voted to keep its existing contract with the Houston County Sheriff’s Department; council members were divided on the outcome.
The Spring Grove City Council voted Sept. 16 to keep its existing contract with the Houston County Sheriff’s Department following a contentious discussion over staffing and budget deadlines. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson and Council Member Eric Ostern said they had met with Sheriff Swedberg to review options; the sheriff’s office and a county commissioner disagreed about whether the county’s budget needed an answer by Sept. 30.
Council members discussed three options presented in a public survey and whether the city could secure partial coverage if deputies were reduced. Council Member Michael Hagen said he felt the county had left the city with “all or nothing” terms; Commissioner Johnson disputed that characterization. Council Member Trent Turner moved to retain the current contract; Council Member Eric Ostern seconded.
The motion passed. The transcript records Council Members Trent Turner, Eric Ostern and Morgan Buckland voting in favor and Council Member Michael Hagen and Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson voting against.
Administrator Jana Elton had warned the council that Sheriff Swedberg earlier said he needed an answer by Sept. 30 for the county’s budget planning; Mayor Wilhelmson said the sheriff had told him the deadline was in December. Commissioner Johnson stated the county did indeed need an answer by Sept. 30 to finalize its budget. The council did not adopt a direction to reopen negotiations or reduce services at the meeting.
The council’s decision resolves the item for now; members noted the county and city remain in communication about coverage and budget timing.
