Sheriff offers plan to fund Lind law enforcement

LIND — Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner discussed the costs of providing law enforcement with town council members during a Nov. 12 meeting.

Appearing before the council, Wagner noted that costs have been increasing, making it challenging to provide the level of law enforcement service needed in town. At the same time, he pointed out that he’s done his part to keep costs equitable.

“The couple things that we’ve been doing for the past while, since I became sheriff, is trying to figure out a really good way of charging what’s fair, equitable,” Wagner said. “It’s been really difficult because every town has different incomes... COVID hit, and I just said, ‘Let’s just keep going with a 3% increase. That’s probably the best way to go, until we can all get back on our feet.’”

But three years after COVID mandates were rescinded, costs are still increasing.

Wagner proposed revenue relinquishment as a way to help fund law enforcement services in the town.

He proposed that beginning in January 2025, the town dedicate its share of the county sales and use tax to cover law enforcement costs in town.

Wagner said his department’s cost to provide law enforcement services to Lind ran about $819 per call; he did not provide a budget for covering Lind or note how much the town receives from the county sales and use tax.

“What I’m asking is that sales tax that’s only earmarked for law and justice be handed over each year based on whatever the sales tax revenue the town gets and can only be used for that purpose,” he said.

The council is expected to consider the proposal again at a future meeting.