Sheriff seeks direction on Alpine deputy housing MOU and resource requests

Sheriff Shane Johnson told Lincoln County commissioners the county has been discussing a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Alpine to provide housing for deputies.

Johnson said the town owns the lot and the county would build the home; affordable rent would be charged and the revenue divided between the town and county. He asked the board for direction and asked staff to prepare costs so the board could decide how to proceed.

Johnson also reported that the county is not currently housing state inmates and said the Bureau of Indian Affairs had indicated it might like the county to accept inmates. He asked the commissioners for guidance on department requests for COVID-related funds, noting each department had prepared lists of needs. He additionally said bylaws to establish a Search & Rescue retirement plan have been submitted to the state and are awaiting approval.

Why it matters: deputy housing affects staffing stability in outlying towns and can influence response times and recruitment; potential inmate contracts and the use of pandemic-related funds also carry operational and fiscal implications.

Attributions: statements and requests above are attributable to Sheriff Shane Johnson.