Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sheriff’s Committee recommends budget amendment to fund deputy safety gear
Summary
On March 16 the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Committee voted to recommend a budget amendment to the full county board to fund 23 full sets of officer safety equipment; Sheriff Tony Williams said the gear is for everyday incidents, not riot control. Public commenters asked for an itemized list and clarification on reimbursement.
The Bayfield County Sheriff’s Committee on March 16 voted to recommend that the full county board consider a 2026 budget amendment to pay for officer safety equipment for deputies.
Sheriff Tony Williams told the committee he had not yet purchased any items and that the planned gear is “everyday officer safety equipment,” including helmets with face shields, gas masks/respirators, eye protection, gloves and communications equipment. Williams emphasized the equipment “has nothing to do with any reimbursement agreement” and said the purchase is intended for routine violent arrests, domestic-assault responses, drug-related incidents, armed-suspect encounters and mental-health crises.
The committee motioned to advance the budget amendment recommendation after Jan Lee asked about quantities and lead times. Williams said the department needs 23 full sets of gear, “each totaling roughly $4,500,” and that some items could arrive within days while others may take 45–60 days. Vice-chair Marty Milanowski moved to “Recommend Resolution No. 2026-xx ‘2026 Budget Amendment for Sheriff Safety Equipment’ to the full county board,” and Dennis Pocernich seconded; the motion carried by verbal vote.
Members of the public who spoke during the meeting largely supported the Sheriff’s Office request but asked for more detail. Kate Miller of Washburn asked for community safety partnerships; Kristy Jensch asked that the county board address reimbursement at its March meeting; a Town of Clover resident identified only as Dana requested an itemized list of equipment; and a county resident named Shawna asked about Flock cameras.
Williams told the committee the department trains regularly—a monthly Emergency Response Team schedule and frequent outside training—and that department policies, including those on collaboration with federal agencies, are posted on Lexipol and must be signed by deputies when adopted. Chief Deputy Runice noted deputies routinely respond to violent and complex incidents that drive the need for protective gear.
The committee’s recommendation sends the proposed budget amendment to the full county board for consideration; no county-board vote on the resolution was recorded at the committee meeting.
