Blaine Commissioners approve creation of a Public Safety Fund for 2017-2018 budget year

After discussion during an announced public hearing in the commissioners’ office at the courthouse, Blaine County Commissioners motioned and approved creation of a new public safety fund for budget year 2017-2018. Commissioners have been exploring ways to meet increased challenges to keep the county’s general fund in the black. The public safety fund would support the major activities of the sheriff’s office and those costs would be removed from the general fund.

At least one commissioner wanted the public safety fund to begin during the coming budget year. But the consensus and final vote sug...