The Audubon City Council is considering entering into an agreement with the Audubon County Board of Supervisors that would hand off law enforcement responsibilities in town to the county sheriff’s office. Clerk, Joe Foran, says Sheriff, Todd Johnson, brought the details of the proposal to the council during their meeting last week.
The 28E agreement would fold the entirety of the Audubon Police Department, including staff, patrol vehicles and equipment, into the sheriff’s office. Audubon would then pay the county for contracted law enforcement within city limits. According to Foran, there are two main benefits for Audubon residents if the agreement is approved.
Audubon Police Chief, Matt Starmer, announced his retirement last month, and city leaders are currently searching for his successor. Foran says they have a great pool of applicants, and the county is essentially interviewing for the job. He notes the agreement does have a significant downside.
The council did not make a decision during the March 8 meeting and are waiting for additional budget figures from the county to continue their discussions. They are scheduled to convene Monday, March 22 to discuss the issue further. Individuals wishing to provide input on the topic are encouraged to contact Foran directly using the contact points included below, or they can present them in person at next week’s special session, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
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City Clerk, Joe Foran
712-563-3269
Cityclerk@cityofauduboniowa.com
