Board asks administration to continue study of sheriff’s department reorganization

Winona County commissioners agreed on Sept. 15 to allow county administration to continue analyzing proposed changes to the sheriff’s department supervisory structure and to return recommendations to the board. The discussion centered on whether emergency management, dispatch and other functions should sit under the sheriff or under administration.

Commissioner Ward moved to table the matter until after the sheriff‑elect is sworn in; the motion failed for lack of a second. Administration said it needs additional time to evaluate roles and responsibilities and to avoid an undesirable transition. Commissioners emphasized the need to include sheriff‑elect input, to consider dispatch pension and labor-law changes, and to clarify relationships with municipal emergency management functions.

The board approved the administrator’s request to continue the analysis and to bring back options and job‑description clarity; the motion carried with one commissioner abstaining. Commissioners also asked that questions and suggested criteria be forwarded to the administrator so staff can incorporate them into the evaluation.