Hayden council agrees to pact with sheriff for more coverage

HAYDEN - The Hayden City Council on Tuesday voted fully in favor of a law-enforcement agreement with Kootenai County, which will soon begin dedicating two deputies and patrol vehicles full time to the city beyond what is already being provided to it.

"It's beneficial to both of us," Kootenai County Sheriff Rocky Watson told the City Council.

The county provides a base level of law-enforcement coverage of 1.4 deputies per 1,000 citizens. The two dedicated deputies will be above and beyond that coverage, basically making the pact a service-level agreement.

"It's a great marriage here," said Councilman Roger Saterfiel.

The city doesn't have its own police force.

The city assembled a panel to look at increasing law-enforcement levels, and partnering with the county was the group's recommendation.

The two deputies will enforce city ordinances in addition to state laws.

The city agreed to pay the county $192,600 for two new patrol vehicles, all associated equipment, and pay the two additional deputies through Sept. 30 of this year. The patrol cars cost about $60,000 fully loaded with equipment, and fuel and maintenance.

The city will provide the county with office space for use of the sheriff's deputies assigned to Hayden.

With the patrol cars paid for this year, the city would then pay the county $139,000 in subsequent years for the two deputies' services. The city can further increase the level of law-enforcement service, but would pay the additional cost of equipment and manpower.