SHOSHONE COUNTY, ID — The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office is raising alarms ahead of Thursday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, warning that proposed budget cuts could significantly reduce law enforcement services across the county.

Sheriff Holly Lindsey said the county’s Justice Fund faces a shortfall of $776,000 to $900,000, which could lead to the loss of up to six patrol deputies, one detention deputy, and one emergency communications dispatcher. Lindsey cautioned that such cuts would force deputies to respond only to in-progress emergencies and drastically limit investigations into property crimes.

“These cuts would drastically change the type of service that you have become accustomed to,” Lindsey said. “To speak frankly, it would not be safe for our deputies as well as the community members who count on us to show up when they call 911.”

The sheriff highlighted that Shoshone County has one of the highest per-capita rates of drug and alcohol offenses in Idaho, but noted that crime dropped 24% in 2023 thanks to stepped-up enforcement and drug house raids. The department also maintains an 81% case clearance rate, among the state’s best.

One potential solution under consideration is a supplemental levy, which would allow voters to decide whether to maintain current law enforcement funding levels. The commissioners are expected to discuss the option at Thursday’s 11:00 a.m. meeting.

Residents are being urged to contact county commissioners to share their views before the vote.