County Commission Stands United with Sheriff’s Office to Ensure Public Safety
Author: Broadwater County Commissioners
County Commission Stands United with Sheriff’s Office to Ensure Public Safety
Broadwater County Commissioners
This past May, voters in Broadwater County made a strong statement when they voted against the Public Safety mill levy. While over 500 residents responded to a post-levy survey expressing strong support for law enforcement, many also voiced concerns about rising taxes, increasing service costs, and the permanence of the proposed levy.
The previous, 5-year mill levy provided sustainable funding for the Sheriff’s Office and county-wide law enforcement services. It allowed the Sheriff’s Office to hire additional deputies, replace outdated equipment, and upgrade technology in patrol cars and dispatch. It also reduced reliance on unpredictable jail revenue.
The failure to renew the expiring levy created financial uncertainty, but the Commissioners and Sheriff’s Office leadership are collaborating and working diligently to identify funding strategies so essential law enforcement services can continue. Through budget cutbacks, adaptations to the jail, and the use of operational reserves, we are able to provide short-term support of the Sheriff’s Office that ensures public safety operations remain functional.
However, these measures are temporary. The Sheriff’s Office will not be running another levy this year, and to ensure sustainability we are actively pursuing lasting funding solutions, including a revised, more specific levy proposal to be considered in the future. Additionally, we are working with lawmakers on statewide legislation that supports public safety, continual assessment of operational efficiencies to reduce costs without compromising service quality, and engaging in contracts to house Federal inmates and detainees from other counties. We are also researching grant opportunities to help fund the vital SRO position in the school.
There is growing pressure at the legislative level to discontinue permanent levies, which echoes the outspoken local response on the subject. Most importantly, recent legislation necessitates significant changes in voted levies beginning in the 2026-2027 tax year. Levies must be stated in dollar amounts rather than mills. Previously, a set number of mills could fluctuate in value. Under the new law, levy amounts will be capped by the average inflation rate over three years, with a maximum annual increase of 4%. This change ensures more predictable tax bills and allows growth in the taxpayer base to help share the cost.
Both the Sheriff’s Office and Commissioners recognize the concerns and frustrations expressed by many in the community and we understand the importance of transparency and public trust as we work through this process. We are committed to engaging with residents, listening to concerns, and providing clear information about how public safety is funded and managed. We encourage all residents to participate in the public budgeting process for a better understanding of the challenges we face and the steps we’re taking to address them.
Public safety is a shared responsibility. The men and women of the Sheriff’s Office put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and they deserve our full support. The Commission stands firmly behind them and will continue to advocate for the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
Please contact Sheriff Nick Rauser at: nrauser@broadwatercountymt.gov, or the County Commissioners at: commissioners@broadwatercountymt.gov for more information.
