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Chief Johnson resigns; council extends sheriff contract as hiring continues
Summary
Mayor Smith announced Chief Johnson's resignation effective May 31; the council approved a contract with the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office for continued patrols while applications are accepted. Sheriff Budrow warned that certain passed resolutions could affect outside agencies' willingness to respond and recruitment for the department.
Mayor Smith informed the council that Police Chief Johnson resigned effective May 31 and that the Town would revert to a contract with the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office to provide law enforcement coverage through the end of the year while the town recruits a new chief and officers.
Sheriff Budrow told the council deputies will continue regular patrols and will respond to calls; he also noted county burn restrictions and enforcement. "If they are called out to a fire, citations will be given to anyone disobeying the restrictions," Budrow said. He also expressed concern that language in a recently passed resolution could deter outside law enforcement agencies from coming to Twisp and could impact the department's hiring and recruitment.
Later in the meeting the council approved the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office 2025 Law Enforcement Agreement (motion by Council Member Matsui; second by Council Member Lundquist; motion passed unanimously). Mayor Smith said applications for Police Chief and Police Officers are posted on the town website and staff will continue recruitment work with the sheriff's office until the department is re-staffed.
