Letter

To the Citizens of Edmunds County:

I am writing today to encourage you to support the upcoming bond election that would create a new law enforcement facility here in Edmunds County. As some of you may know we had shut our jail down and move our dispatch and sheriff’s office to a temporary location in November of 2022. Since that time it has become clear to me and our staff that the status quo is not working. Now is the time we must address this issue for the betterment of our county.

This facility would do several things for our county. It would first supply a 40-bed jail facility. This facility would cover the local housing needs, but also open up a revenue stream for the county. Jail space is at a premium within our state and we have had a difficult time finding space for Edmunds County Inmates. The projected jail revenue will cover the operating expenses of the sheriff’s office, dispatch, and jail. This projected revenue would also result in a surplus from the net jail revenue. We have pledges from many surrounding counties to house inmates at this proposed facility as well as the United States Marshal Service. I can assure you that our jail will be fully used.

A local jail will also free our law enforcement officers from long, time consuming trips transporting inmates to places as far away as Sioux Falls. This will keep our law enforcement officers within Edmunds County and further maximize their ability to keep Edmunds County residents safe. I would rather have our deputies responding to calls than drive inmates hours away. With a local jail we won’t have to pay other counties to fund their operations but instead invest in our own county.

This facility would also create a new dispatch center and sheriff’s office. This facility will supply adequate and professional work space and state of the art equipment. When there is an emergency in the county our local dispatcher will be answering the call and directing resources to emergencies and problems within the county. Local control of dispatching helps our citizens receive the right aid and fast.

This facility would bring economic benefits to our county including long term tax savings from a self-sufficient jail. This facility will bring great paying jobs to our community. This facility will source locally for food, medical services, and jail supplies. This facility is a win for the taxpayer and local businesses!

Please join us in voting yes on March 12. Let’s keep our law enforcement in the county, our money local, local control of dispatch services, and a revenue stream that is self-sufficient.

Sheriff Jonathan Waldner

Chief Deputy Kyle Couchey