Sheriff defends $300/month locating service as alternative to $30,000 retainer; board approves contract

The Bonner County Board of Commissioners approved a one-year locating-and-marking services contract for the Sheriff’s Office during its March 3 meeting after questioning about a $300 monthly service fee and the scope of the vendor’s responsibilities.

Commissioners asked for clarification about the monthly service fee and whether it simply paid for standby availability. Sheriff Wheeler (Speaker 13) said two companies offer the service: one required a roughly $30,000 retainer while the other offered a $300/month service fee plus per-incident line items. Wheeler described the service as crucial to protecting critical infrastructure and said the monthly fee was a lower-cost alternative to the larger retainer. The board voted to accept the one-year contract and authorized administrative signature.

Commissioners asked that further documentation clarifying what is covered by the monthly fee be added to the contract file; the sheriff agreed to finalize details and the county will proceed with contract execution.