Special town deputy contracts approved

The Oconto County Board on Nov. 17 renewed contracts for two special sheriff’s deputies who are specifically assigned to serve the towns of Little Suamico and Chase and a group of six northern towns, respectively.
The five-year contracts cover the salaries and benefits for a full-time deputy covering each area. State law does not require towns to provide their own police protection services — that is considered the purview of the county sheriff — but also allows towns to contract with the local sheriff for additional police protection.

The agreement is for a term starting Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2027, with the fee for services determined every two years coinciding with renewal of the deputies’ union contracts.

Those fees are split among the towns based on population. In 2023, the Town of Little Suamico will pay 66% of the $112,488 annual cost of its deputy, with the Town of Chase picking up the remaining 34%. The payments are made quarterly.

The northern Oconto County deputy is expected to cost $120,747 in salary and benefits in 2023, with the Town of Brazeau assuming 22%; Mountain 29%; Lakewood, Riverview and Townsend 17% each; and Doty 7%.

The county is responsible for providing a squad car and equipping each deputy with weapons, ammunition, portable radios, soft body armor and other equipment as needed.