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Bayfield sheriff signs agreement with WCA to aid Ashland County on Enbridge pipeline work; officials warn of budget pressure
Summary
Sheriff Tony Williams described an agreement to seek reimbursement through the Wisconsin Counties Association for equipment and time to assist Ashland County with enforcement related to Enbridge pipeline construction; supervisors raised concerns about possible violence and whether the agreement should be brought to the county board.
Bayfield County Sheriff Tony Williams told the Sheriff’s Committee on Feb. 16 that his office has an agreement to be reimbursed through the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) for equipment and time to assist the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office with enforcement activities tied to Enbridge pipeline construction.
Supervisor Dennis Pocernich said WCA would act as a conduit for reimbursement and that retired Bayfield County Sheriff Paul Susienka would review submitted claims. Chair Larry Fickbohm said concerns over possible increases in violence had been raised at a recent criminal-justice committee meeting. Williams said pipeline construction could be extended for a year or longer and that related law-enforcement operations could exceed the Sheriff’s Office budget.
Supervisor Jan Lee asked whether the agreement was with WCA and Enbridge; Williams clarified the agreement is between the Sheriff’s Office and the WCA. Pocernich said his opinion is that the agreement should not be brought to the county board because it is signed by the sheriff and the county administrator as an agreement with the WCA.
No formal county-board action on the agreement was taken at the meeting. Committee members discussed budget and oversight implications, including who would review reimbursement claims and how extended operations could affect local budgets.
