Supervisors Discuss Sheriff Budget

SIGOURNEY – During the Feb. 3 meeting of the Keokuk County Board of Supervisors, the board spoke with Sheriff Casey Hinnah about the sheriff’s office’s budget. Similarly to the other departments the board met with last week, the sheriff’s office saw slight increases in employee salaries and other expenses (eg: $30,000, split with the 9-1-1 department, for a new emergency call recording system, increased budget for dispatch) but nothing too major. Hadley noted that it was difficult to keep the budget this year within a 3% increase from last year and that the county didn’t even get 3% in new revenue.

Supervisor Kevin Weber asked how many deputies the county currently had; he was told that there are five deputies, plus Hinnah, and is currently looking for another deputy. Hinnah stated that one applicant was taking the required psychological test for applicants this week.

Hinnah noted that he was in discussion with the City of Keota to purchase their police truck in return for increased police coverage, and that Richland was also interested in increased coverage. Hinnah stated that the jail is nearing the end of its life expectancy and will need to be replaced in a few years, something that will cost millions.