Sheriff Wolfle tells Chula council countywide 3/8-cent 911 sales-tax is on Aug. 5 ballot; urges respectful ATV use

Sheriff Dustin Wolfle told the Chula Board of Aldermen on July 14 that complaints about go-carts, dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles have increased and that, in his view, riding should be allowed provided riders remain respectful and obey the law.

Wolfle cautioned that when adults break traffic laws, the city would need to provide written statements if the sheriff’s office pursues traffic-court action. He also said the sheriff’s office prefers separating 911 and dispatch into distinct entities overseen by a board, and announced a proposed countywide 3/8-cent sales tax on the Aug. 5 ballot to fully fund dispatch services, increase staffing and pay for equipment.

Wolfle said he will try to have a representative at future city meetings and provided an email contact and business card to the board. He noted regional dispatch had been considered but indicated the proposed local sales tax was the preferred funding path for the county’s dispatch changes.

The sheriff’s remarks were informational; no formal council action on enforcement policy was taken during the meeting. The Aug. 5 ballot will determine whether the county adopts the sales tax that Wolfle described as intended to fund dispatch operations and equipment.