Irrigon ends agreement with sheriff’s office

By Terry Murry on Thursday, March 31st, 2022 in Columbia Basin News Featured Stories

IRRIGON – The Irrigon City Council has voted to let its intergovernmental agreement with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office expire at the end of June. The council also instructed City Manager Aaron Palmquist to study alternatives, which he is now doing.

Palmquist said that with the expiration of the IGA, the sheriff’s office will still patrol as required by state statute, but that will not provide the current around-the-clock coverage. Without the IGA, the city becomes solely responsible for dealing with code violations and complaints.

Currently Irrigon pays MCSO $95,000 to $100,000 a year for 40 hours of service a week. In addition to paying for a new police vehicle every three years. The council resolution said that if law enforcement is brought in-house, the cost for an officer would be slightly lower.

Palmquist reported to the council that as Irrigon continues to grow, it could be a good time to take more control over the future. “This may be an opportunity for Irrigon as we continue to grow and become more resilient,” he wrote. “The Irrigon Municipal Court has been a good addition and is working through to strengthen Irrigon’s presence and strength in the region.