West End Commander for Montrose County Sheriff’s Office Bruce Schmalz went before town trustees at the Town of Nucla’s monthly meeting Oct. 28, the day after he spoke to Naturita’s town board. He gave updates on the sheriff’s office data and logistics, before negotiating the contract for peacekeeping services.
Previously, since 2010, Nucla and Naturita both have been paying $4,414 monthly, at an annual total of $52,968. In theory, inflation has brought the annual cost for each town to approximately $81,000 annually. But, Schmalz told the Forum Nov. 2, that doesn’t cover the unfunded mandates for things like body cameras and licensing.
He told board members in last week’s meetings that it’s difficult to backfill from the East End too, as those deputies have to drive, which means overtime on top of their eight-hour shift. He added the West End depends on deputies from the other side of the county, as there are not enough in Nucla or Naturita.
“We rely on the East End deputies,” he said.
In looking back to data since 2010, usually five deputies have been on patrol. Currently, the sheriff’s office has four. Though, he did say a cadet coming out of the police academy will hopefully be starting in December.
His preference would be to have eight deputies on duty, plus himself, in the West End.
More and more, municipalities are contracting with counties for peacekeeping services. Costs of maintaining a town marshal keep climbing, Schmalz explained.
He compared other Western Slope towns to see what they were paying. Collbran has a contract with Mesa County for two full-time deputies at $350,000 a year. Dolores also contracts with Montezuma County for two full-timers at $247,000. Norwood has a deal with San Miguel County for $106,000.
Now, Schmalz said Montrose County would like to raise the contract in both Nucla and Naturita to $90,000.
“Our goal is to provide the best service we can … ,” he said, adding that it’s a challenge to cover so many square miles with the manpower that exists.
He said there is always room for improvement for anybody in any situation, but he feels deputies are doing a good job.
“This whole contract thing, it’s not just paying for someone to sit and write tickets,” he said.
He said the fees pay for deputies’ benefits and training, jail, dispatch, equipment, compliance with state mandates, administration and more.
Schmalz said the Town of Naturita is working the $90,000 annual contract into their budget.
Trustee Darla Joseph asked why there’s been no increase in 16 years. Schmalz said he’s worked under Sheriff Gene Lillard the last eight years, and Lillard hasn’t wanted to increase costs for the West End.
Joseph said nobody can deny what’s happened with inflation. She suggested evaluating the contract every three years or so.
Mayor Paula Brown said Nucla trustees have not started work on the town’s budget yet, but they will soon.
Trustee Brad Miller said some citizens question the value of peacekeeping services, since they feel the deputies don’t do much. Schmalz said deputies cannot write tickets based on Facebook drama. He added that “harassment” gets called in a lot, but there’s a specific definition of harassment that deputies must follow.
Schmalz said he wants citizens to report crimes. He also said anyone is welcome to do a ride-along to see what deputies actually do.
He said serving as West End Commander is the best job he’s ever had. He likes working in the place where he grew up and helping his community.
“How lucky could I be to come back here and do this in this position and have some say in what happens in the agency?” he asked.
