You'll remember some months back we told you about the trouble the Town of Twisp was having in finding a new police chief and rebuilding its police department, and contracting with the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office for protection. Well, our friends at the Methow Valley News report that the town may need to extend that contract past the expiration date of December 31st.
According to Councilman Hans Smith, who serves on the town's Public Safety Committee, there have been no what he calls “viable applicants” for the police chief position, and that the contract will need to be extended, possibly under different payment terms. Right now, the town of Twisp pays Okanogan County 500 dollars for every call the sheriff's office responds to.
This all started with Paul Budrow's election as sheriff last year. Budrow had been Twisp's police chief, but after his election, the town's two deputies resigned, leaving Twisp with no police coverage. Then the town contracted with the sheriff's office. Councilman Smith says the town may want to consider a longer-term contract with the Sheriff's Office.
Meanwhile, the town's search for a new police chief continues, with an assist from the Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs.