The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors approved contracts that provide county sheriff services to several incorporated cities after supervisors asked staff for more financial detail and legal protections.

Board members voted 4 yes, 0 no, with 1 abstention to approve the contracts during the meeting. Supervisors pressing the item asked county staff and the sheriff’s office to provide a clearer breakdown of the services delivered under the agreements, the staffing/hours tied to the contracts and whether the county is “breaking even” on the arrangements.

Natalie Reed, County Counsel, told the board, “We can certainly look at revising indemnity provisions in the MOU, and, my office can work with risk management on that.” The board requested that counsel and risk management examine whether the county can limit its liability exposure under the contracts and return with suggested revisions.

Representatives of the sheriff’s office said the current service model focuses on outcomes rather than strict hourly or capped-service billing, and that collecting precise data on response hours and service volumes has been “a challenge.” The sheriff’s office noted that some city contracts generate significant revenue—for example, one jurisdiction’s contract was described as “over $400,000” and two others were described as “a little over $200,000” each—but the office did not present a per-call or per-hour cost accounting at the meeting.

Board members said they are not seeking to cancel city contracts but want staff to present a financial analysis that shows revenue, cost and any impacts on county staffing before future renewals. One supervisor who seconded the motion announced an abstention to ensure the item remained “in play” while staff develops the requested data and liability language.

The motion passed with four supervisors voting yes and one abstention. County counsel and risk management were directed to review indemnity language; supervisors also asked for a service- and cost-breakdown from the sheriff’s office and county staff to be returned to the board.

Ending: The contracts were approved to remain in effect while staff prepares the requested cost accounting and liability revisions. The board did not set a specific date for the staff report during the meeting.