Spirit Lake City Councilman Kenny Gross, left, Undersheriff Brett Nelson, center, and Sheriff Bob Norris discuss the details of a potential contract between the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and city of Spirit Lake to send deputies to support the Spirit Lake Police Department through staffing shortages.
JOSA SNOW/Press
Staff Writer | July 20, 2023 1:08 AM
SPIRIT LAKE — The Spirit Lake City Council met Wednesday and asked the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office to draft two contracts, without committing to anything until they see the contract language.
Sheriff Bob Norris presented options to supply law enforcement to the city until the Spirit Lake Police Department is fully staffed.
“I feel like the community wants and needs some law enforcement,” Norris said.
One contract will outline payment terms to the KCSO for augmented service in Spirit Lake. Norris offered to provide deputies to the city for 80 hours a week for up to six months, costing the city roughly $157,832.
“You will not be augmenting the sheriff’s budget, whatsoever,” Norris said. “I do believe that is our vision.”
The council members asked Norris to include a clause for “tapered” service. The clause would allow the city to reduce hours as the Spirit Lake Police Department fills staffing vacancies and hires a chief of police.
Spirit Lake currently only has one police officer, Cpl. Kevin Ward, who is leery of the sheriff’s office taking over the traditionally independent police department.
“The...
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