The City of Rhinelander and Oneida County have approved a Memorandum of Understanding concerning police and fire dispatch and staffing various related units. The common council approved paying $15,000, plus an additional $1,500 as a contingency if needed.
In 2006, the city approved a one-time, $150,000 payment for the county to handle the service. Oneida County is upgrading their dispatch center and requested a city contribution along with discussions on some needs concerning staffing of emergency responders and drug investigations.
Police Chief Lloyd Gauthier thought the plan works for both departments..
"...As I step back and look at the MOU, I agree entirely with the MOU. I think it's important for our deparment to be committed to that NORDEG(Northcentral Drug Enforcement Group) position, and that person being committed to the position full-time to address the on-going drug epidemic that we continue to face in our community...."
One of the agreements concerned the Nordag drug unit, and Oneida County Chief Deputy Dan Hess said the unit has done good work...
"...I think it's really important as a community, I've lived here my whole life, 50 years, what we've done with NORDEG(Northcentral Drug Enforcement Group) in the city is phenomenal. We have four officers in this drug unit. So when the city has something where they're doing a search warrant, they get the county's resources, not just one officer......I think it's a 'win-win' for both the city and the county..."
The council passed the agreement.
In other action, the council approved the hiring of Steve Sorenson as the new city attorney. Sorenson began his duties Tuesday. The city had contracted with the law firm of von Briesen as acting city attorney since June 1, following action by the council to terminate its contract with former city attorney Carrie Miljevich. Sorenson will be paid at $275 dollars per hour.
