Residents will have voice on policing

Moose Lake residents will help decide whether to maintain the city’s police force or contract with the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office for the city’s policing needs.

The city scheduled a public hearing at 6 p.m. Jan. 24, and will also solicit public opinion by sending out a mailer and polling residents on the topic. The hearing will take place at the city council chambers at 313 Elm Ave.

“A city councilor requested a public hearing on the matter to gather community input,” city administrator Ellissa Owens said in a statement. “Consensus was reached by the council to engage in a public hearing.”

Earlier this year, the city sought a proposal from Carlton County Sheriff Kelly Lake regarding how the sheriff’s office could meet the city’s needs. The favored option would dedicate four deputies to the city, along with a half-time clerical position at a cost of $574,220 annually. Moose Lake’s budget to operate its police department is proposed at $898,748 for 2024, amounting to 87 percent of the city’s $1.03 million tax levy.

“This department is getting close to the total number of taxes we bring in,” mayor Ted Shaw said during a lengthy debate at November’s city council meeting.

The current interim police chief Chad Pattison and others associated with the department reacted in opposition to the proposal during the meeting, saying they didn’t believe the sheriff’s office could hire enough staff or provide better coverage.

The city’s proposed police budget includes $120,000 worth of health insurance being paid out annually as the result of former officers retiring early due to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Like every other municipality, Moose Lake has to adopt a budget and tax levy before the end of December. It’s not been made clear how the timing of a changeover would work if it is supported and passes. The city’s Truth in Taxation hearing is 6 p.m. Dec. 20, scheduled to follow the next city council meeting.