Sherwood weighs sheriff contract and constable role after resignation

The Village of Sherwood examined options for local law enforcement and the constable role during budget deliberations and committee meetings in 2009.

Budget action and sheriff proposal: During the FY2010 budget process trustees debated adding contracted hours from the Calumet County Sheriff’s Department for enforcement beyond county-funded patrols. At the November budget hearing the board amended the budget to add funding for a seven-hours-per-week special services contract and increased the use of fund balance to support the first-year cost while directing staff to continue discussions with the Sheriff’s Office about service levels and potential federal grant opportunities.

Constable status: The locally elected constable position drew attention in 2009 for equipment and enforcement capacity; the office later saw a resignation, and trustees reviewed options including appointing a replacement, leaving the position vacant or relying on county services for enforcement. Trustees asked staff to invite sheriff leadership to a future meeting to clarify service options and costs.

Why it matters: Public safety and code enforcement are daily services that shape resident experience and municipal cost structure. The board took incremental steps to add limited sheriff services while considering the future role and funding for the constable position.

What’s next: Trustees will evaluate the sheriff pilot program outcomes, consider long-term funding decisions in the next budget cycle and determine whether to restructure local enforcement roles.