Culbertson approves higher law-enforcement contract costs after negotiation

Culbertson’s town council approved an updated interlocal law enforcement agreement that raises the town’s annual contract payments over a multi-year schedule.

At an April meeting Sheriff Fredricks presented a proposed interlocal agreement that would increase the town’s annual fee from roughly $22,000 (previous agreement figure discussed) to an updated schedule with the town’s share reported as $50,000 for 2024, $57,500 for 2025, $64,572 for 2026 and $64,572 for 2027. The sheriff told council that the cost of a patrol vehicle had been removed from the agreement at the town’s request.

After discussion among the affected towns and the sheriff’s office, the council on May 13 approved the updated agreement with the revised fee schedule and an amendment to section #13 reflecting recommended language from Laura Christoffersen. The motion carried with no objection.

Council members asked about the level of on-site presence from the sheriff’s office; Sheriff Fredricks said the town could receive either monthly reports, meeting attendance every other month, or a presence at every meeting if council preferred. Residents raised questions about the non-emergency dispatch number; Sheriff Fredricks provided the dispatch number (406-653-6240) for non-emergency issues.

Council indicated the new contract figures will be reconsidered in 2028 when the parties plan to renegotiate. The council recorded the agreement approval in open session and will address budget impacts in upcoming budget meetings.