Sheriff details challenges in annual report

Despite managing budget cuts and an overcrowded detention facility, Lake County Sheriff Don Bell says his office ran smoothly during its second year under his command.

The assessment came in a 2016 annual report issued March 14.

Bell detailed a host of issues in what amounted to a busy year for the sheriff’s office, which found itself in the middle of several tense political discussions.

Once again the office was impacted by the struggle to collect tax revenue plaguing Lake County. Bell said in the report that the office has seen a $237,000-drop in mill tax revenue since 2015. County Commissioners also moved to withhold $100,000 from the office to bolster financial reserves, Bell said, presenting additional operating challenges.

Bell said the office’s $3.3 million overall budget is a “modest sum” considering its substantial responsibilities.

Lake County was faced with a budget crunch last year after it experienced a drop in tax revenue when the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes assumed operation of the former Kerr Dam.

County officials contend that the dam property was never officially put in federal trust for the tribes, and therefore not exempt from taxes. An initial legal challenge in Lake County District Court proved unsuccessful, however. In combination with the budget issues, Bell said the sheriff’s office is also struggling with its detention facility.

Bell said Lake County Jail operated at 123 percent capacity during 2016 – a condition that is “simply not sustainable.”

The county is currently under court order to upgrade its detention facility due to lawsuits filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, however funding for such a project remains out of reach.

While four inmates filed complaints with the Montana Human Rights Bureau in 2016, the grievances were either dismissed, withdrawn or resolved in house, according to Bell’s report.

“This is largely due to a highly professional staff who are cognizant of the potential liabilities the facility poses to the county,” Bell said.

Bell said the situation nevertheless presents his office with the “balancing act” of weighing public safety against liability when withholding suspected criminals.

“Our study and exploration of this conundrum is ongoing,” Bell said.

In response to the growing burden of funding law enforcement, Lake County officials have proposed withdrawing from an agreement to prosecute felony crimes involving tribal members on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

In January, the County Commission passed a resolution of intent to withdraw from the agreement established under federal Public Law 280. Any jurisdiction changes, however, hinge on similar actions at the state, tribal and federal levels.

During initial discussions on the issue, law enforcement officials from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Police and the Polson Police Department expressed opposition to a withdrawl.

Bell reiterated this position in his report, stating that dissolving the current cooperative agreement will erode accountability.

Local lawmakers have proposed that the federal government, which typically handles law enforcement on reservations, contribute funding to cover the county’s cost.

To conclude his report, Bell urged citizens to contact their legislators and voice their support for this potential solution. He added that regardless of the challenges, the sheriff’s office has a bright future and continues to operate efficiently.

County officials agreed with Bell’s assessment. Commissioner Dave Stipe said last week that he has confidence in the office’s ability.

“Overall we have really good employees,” he said.