HAYDEN — The Hayden City Council voted Friday night to authorize Mayor Alan Davis to sign a new Law Enforcement Services Agreement with Kootenai County, continuing sheriff-provided police services within city limits through Sept. 30, 2026.
The motion passed on a 2–1 vote, with Councilman Tom Schafer and Councilman Ed DePriest voting in favor. Council President Matt Roetter voted against the measure.
The agreement allows the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office to continue providing full law enforcement services for the City of Hayden, a partnership that has been in place for several years.
What the Contract Includes
The one-year agreement begins Oct. 1, 2025, and runs through Sept. 30, 2026, unless terminated earlier.
Under the contract, Kootenai County will provide:
- Five dedicated patrol deputies
- One available detective
- One available animal control officer
The total cost of the agreement is $1,193,933, which includes personnel expenses and county overhead.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Authority
Deputies assigned to Hayden will remain employees of Kootenai County. The Sheriff’s Office retains authority over training, discipline, and performance standards.
The City of Hayden will grant municipal police authority to assigned deputies, allowing them to enforce city ordinances within city limits.
The agreement also requires the Sheriff’s Office to provide monthly reports to the city, including:
- Crime statistics (monthly and year-to-date)
- Response times
- Crime hot spots
- Top calls for service
- Law enforcement–initiated activity
Council Meetings and Emergency Response
At the city’s request, a sheriff’s deputy may attend Hayden City Council meetings. Command staff may also attend under extraordinary circumstances, at the discretion of the Sheriff’s Office.
The contract allows for temporary diversion of deputies or equipment during countywide emergencies.
Termination and Transition Provisions
Either the city or the county may terminate the agreement with 60 days’ written notice. In such cases, both parties are required to work together on a transition plan to avoid disruption in law enforcement services.
The agreement also allows immediate termination if the city fails to make required payments within specified timeframes.
Vehicles and Equipment
If the contract is terminated or not renewed, several patrol vehicles purchased during the contract period would transfer to the City of Hayden.
Until that time:
- Kootenai County remains responsible for fuel and insurance
- The City of Hayden is responsible for repairs and deductibles
Looking Ahead
Friday’s vote authorizes Mayor Davis to execute the agreement on behalf of the city, ensuring uninterrupted law enforcement coverage into the next fiscal year.
The contract replaces all prior law enforcement agreements between Hayden and Kootenai County. Council discussion highlighted ongoing concerns related to cost, oversight, and long-term public safety planning—topics expected to continue as the city evaluates future law enforcement options beyond 2026.