ALFRED — York County Commissioners agreed to continue a conversation about the rates they charge municipalities who contract with the sheriff’s office for deputy services.

Currently, each of the towns that contract with the county for a deputy to patrol their town for 40 hours a week pay a different rate, based on the chosen deputy’s years of service and benefit package.

But at least one commissioner and the sheriff think the contracts should be standardized, so each town that enters into a contract with the county pays the same rate.

Currently, said Sheriff Bill King, when he approaches a community about the contract program, the first detail selectmen want to know is the cost — and what he can tell them now is a range from about $83,000 to $110,000 annually.

“Different rates cause problems with different towns,” the sheriff told county commissioners at their meeting on Wednesday.

The county commission’s current policy is that municipalities pay the full cost to contract a specific deputy. Costs associated with a deputy with many years of service, or with family plan health insurance costs communities more than a newer hire on an employee-only health plan.

The contract deputy program was started several years ago and is designed to provide rural communities without their own police departments the opportunity to receive dedicated patrol services over and above what can be provided through the sheriff’s rural patrol force. 

“If we go for a single contracted rate, we won’t be collecting the full cost for the deputy,” said County Manager Greg Zinser. He said costs over the average would have to be borne through the sheriff’s budget.

Commissioner Richard Clark said he supports the contract deputy program, but has some concerns.

“It creates disparity between towns,” he said of the current method. Clark said he prefers an average, so each town pays the same rate.

“It’s not an easy thing to solve,” said Clark. He said if the municipalities paid 95 or 97 percent of the cost, rather than the full 100 percent, “I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it.” Clark pointed out that contracted deputies may be pulled away from their town to work elsewhere if needed.

Commissioner Michael Cote said state law mandates municipalities pay for the full cost of contracted services.

“We can’t use general tax funds (for the program),” said Cote. 

Zinser said an average cost could be derived, but in his view, that might mean towns wouldn’t necessarily get to choose which deputy they want.

King said one method could see towns pay the costs of the individual hired to replace the deputy destined for a contract job — paying the fees associated with a new hire would cost the towns less, he pointed out. 

Currently, Acton and Shapleigh share a deputy for 40 hours a week; Arundel, Limington and Parsonsfield each have one 40-hour a week deputy and Waterboro has two deputies, each of whom work 40 hours a week for the municipality. As well, RSU 57 contracts with the county for a school resource officer.

King said some other towns are contemplating the contract program.

Commissioners agreed to continue the discussion. 

“We need to talk more with the manager, the sheriff and the communities,” said Clerk.

“I agree,” said Commission Chairman Sallie Chandler.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].