Council enters into new 1 year free trial Peace Officer Agreement

Flagstaff County Council held its regular Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 24. During the meeting, council turned to the issue of Peace Officer services. At a previous meeting on Jan. 13, Council decided to offer Peace Officer services to Flagstaff municipalities free of charge for a one-year trial period.

A letter was received from the Town of Sedgewick stating that they wish to continue with the current, paid service.

Councillor James Brodie questioned why Sedgewick would refuse a free service.

CAO Shelly Armstrong believed that their refusal may have been due to a desire to retain control.

“When you’re paying for a service, you can make requirements,” she said.

Sedgewick, she said, likely just wanted to ensure that their coverage level does not drop. “They don’t see that this could be a good thing, and they aren’t willing to try it out for a year.”

Even with the free service, Armstrong said that the Peace Officers would make efforts to be present for any major events in the municipalities.

Councillor Wade Lindseth noted that the Peace Officer services could be used as an example of just how well regional projects can work.

Council approved the Peace Officer Services Termination agreement, which will end the current services provided as of Feb. 29 of this year, and to forward it to the Town of Killam and the Village of Heisler for approval.

Brodie advised that before making a decision about Sedgewick’s services, they should find out why the Town did not wish to take advantage of the proposed free services.

“If they want to pay for 100 hours, we should let them,” stated Lindseth.

Reeve Gerald Kuefler noted that Sedgewick must not have seen the free service in the manner that it was intended. “We want our officers to have more presence, not less.”

Council approved to communicate with the Town of Sedgewick regarding the options available for the Peace Officer service.

The new Peace Officer Agreement was presented and accepted, effective March 1, and will be forwarded to Flagstaff municipalities for approval.