Marshall County extends law-enforcement contracts through 2027 as sheriff cites rising costs

The Marshall County Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 on July 1 to extend the county's law-enforcement 28E agreements with incorporated communities through June 30, 2027. Sheriff Joel Phillips presented the contracts and answered questions from supervisors Jarret Heil, Carol Hibbs and Christian Goodman.

Phillips said the contracts provide 24-hour law enforcement coverage to 11 incorporated communities, while Marshalltown and State Center maintain separate police departments. "The contract program began in 1998 with the City of Ferguson," the minutes record. Phillips said the contracts are typically calculated by taxable properties or water meters, plus a fee per liquor license, and that the fee schedule was last updated in 2022 to $65 per taxable property or meter and $300 per liquor license. He told the board he expects another review of rates in coming years because of rising operational costs including patrol vehicle expenses, equipment and labor.

Supervisors noted an increase in calls for service in some contract communities, particularly domestic disputes and other quality-of-life incidents; Phillips said deputies provide monthly activity reports and attend city council meetings to address concerns. The motion to approve the 28E extensions was made by Member Christian Goodman and seconded by Vice Chair Carol Hibbs; the minutes record the vote as 3-0 in favor.

The action keeps the existing contract framework in place for the coming fiscal year and preserves the county's established invoicing options (communities may pay annually or quarterly). The board did not set a new rate at the meeting; Phillips indicated further review is likely as costs rise.