Residents, commissioners question need for second K‑9 as sheriff seeks Effingham cruiser

Sheriff Domenic Richardi asked the Carroll County Board of Commissioners on July 13 for authority to purchase a fully equipped Effingham police cruiser intended for K‑9 use. Commissioner Gene Chandler asked whether the county needs a second K‑9; the sheriff said this action would not add a new K‑9 but would move the Effingham K‑9 into county service so it is available county‑wide.

The sheriff described town arrangements for coverage: some towns pay for dedicated coverage (the Town of Albany pays for 12 hours per week at a detail rate), while others have response‑only coverage. Chairman Charles McGee asked how the county charges when responding to incidents in towns outside contracted hours; the sheriff replied, “There’s no charge for that.” McGee expressed concern that towns with their own police departments may end up subsidizing coverage for towns that do not have full department staffing.

Public comment returned to the issue. Ed Comeau asked about liability associated with maintaining a K‑9, and Fred Cain said he was concerned about the expense of a second K‑9 and uncertain whether commissioners had accepted the addition. Wharton Sinkler suggested the county analyze data to better understand towns’ reliance on the sheriff’s department for police coverage.

Sheriff Richardi said he will return to the commissioners with the Effingham Selectmen’s final sale price for the vehicle; no purchase motion was made or approved at the meeting.

The discussion centered on operational availability and interlocal arrangements rather than an immediate budgetary vote.