The Blaine County Commission seems poised to approve the takeover of law enforcement responsibilities in Ketchum by the Blaine County Sheriff's Office.
But first, the commissioners want the county's legal counsel to review the police contract to make sure its interests are protected. The Ketchum City Council signed the contract June 15.
During its regular meeting Tuesday, the three-member County Commission expressed reluctance to sign off on the contract because of a delay in receiving the final document. Ketchum officials didn't get the signed contract to the county until Tuesday morning, Commissioner Larry Schoen told Sheriff Walt Femling.
County Deputy Prosecutor Tim Graves and new County Administrator Derek Voss said they couldn't signal their support for the contract without taking the time to fully review it.
"I believe Blaine County will need additional time to do our due diligence," Voss said.
Should county officials approve the deal, Ketchum will pay the county $1.56 million for police services for the remainder of the current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, and the entirety of the next year. Ketchum City Administrator Gary Marks has said the cost of the 15-month contract is $200,000 less than what the city would spend to keep the department "in-house" and fully staffed.
As soon as the contract goes into effect, the city will gain another full-time officer, bringing the number up to nine, along with a chief to be appointed by Femling.
Despite their reluctance to sign off on the deal Tuesday, the commissioners did signal that they feel confident they will soon. The commissioners have scheduled a special meeting for Thursday at 9 a.m. to discuss and likely vote on the contract.
The deal is designed to bring a measure of stability to a city police department that's been rocked by uncertainty for close to a year.
Last October, former Ketchum Police Chief Cory Lyman stepped down to take an emergency services position in Salt Lake City. Former Assistant Chief Mike McNeil was promoted to serve in the interim but negotiated an early retirement in April, 16 months before he was officially eligible. McNeil was followed by Ketchum Police Sgt. Dave Kassner, who was tapped to take over while the city looked at options for a permanent replacement.
Blaine County Sheriff's Detective Steve Harkins has been named as the person who will likely take over as Ketchum's top cop.
Femling clearly came into Tuesday's meeting hoping to get the contract signed and completed. His impatience with the delay was equally evident. So too was his desire to not have to sit through additional public meetings in Ketchum.
During previous meetings at which the contract was discussed, some residents vocally opposed the deal.
"You haven't been to those meetings," Femling told the commissioners.
While acknowledging the sheriff's interest in having the contract signed so the change can occur by July 1, Commissioner Tom Bowman said the county's interests in the deal deserve a measured consideration.
"This is definitely a win for Ketchum," Bowman said of the city's anticipated savings. "This is a tie for us."
Nevertheless, he said he sees no reason why the deal won't happen.
"I would like to give the sheriff the assurance that I intend to sign this contract," Bowman said.
Jason Kauffman: jkauffman@mtexpress.com
