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Lakes Area Police Commission members voted 4-0 last week to recommend to their city councils to dedicate state public safety funding grants to wage adjustments and retention pay.  

Minnesota lawmakers voted last session to disperse $300 million to cities, townships and counties to be applied to expenses related to public safety.  The state “surplus” money grants are $246,458 for Chisago City and Lindstrom got $215,301.  Both cities comprise Lakes Area Police service territory.

The commission heard the Lakes Area Police department is in the same desperate shape as other agencies, as far as inability to attract potential applicants seeking a career in law enforcement.  Chief Schlumbohm pointed out that there was a time when an opening would  generate hundreds of applications and this year’s advertising for local jobs brought in 13 applications. North Branch P.D., Schlumbohm added, got seven applicants.  “Students not even graduated (from police school) are already spoken for,” Schlumbohm explained.  The equivalent of 1,500 positions are open in Minnesota alone, according to the chief.

Adding to hiring roadblocks already impacting the market, two Lakes Area Police Officers have departed in recent weeks,  to work for the Chisago County Sheriff’s

Office.  The county has retention and hiring bonuses and a pay scale that the commission was asked to address.

The state public safety funding (if city councils agree) would be used to add a top eighth step in the pay scale and compensate sergeants at similar scale to surrounding agencies.  Starting for a deputy is $33.22 per hour and starting for an officer in Lakes Area will go to $33.58.

Lakes Area Police can institute many of the revisions immediately in the existing budget re-allocating what is line itemed for the (unfilled) 14th officer slot.

Judy Chartrand and Brian Norelius, representing Lindstrom and Bob Gustafson and Jeremy Dresel, for Chisago City, supported the grant usage and felt their councils will be on-board as well.

Financial Report

The 2023 audit was presented in a video produced by the public finance services firm Abdo.  CPA Justin Nilson was recorded presenting highlights of the audit, which commissioners learned saved was a savings of $500 by not having Nilson appear in person.

Chief Schlumbohm cautioned that the balance in Capital Projects may “look great” at over $500,000 but one completely outfitted squad car is $70,000.  Two are generally replaced annually and with current supply chain issues LAPD has been waiting for a vehicle order for 14 months.

CPA Nilson also recommended the credit card policy and billing operations get tightened up.  There should not be late fees being paid by taxpayers on delinquent bills and contact names and related information need updating. 

“Overall” it was a good audit though, Nilson stated,  Revenue projections are highly accurate with a spend-down of balances of only $6,700.

At the end of the bi-monthly meeting the swearing-in of newly promoted Sgt. Jordan Kolbow was celebrated with cake.  There is an “A” and “B” division  at Lakes Area with a sergeant at the top of each.  Kolbow steps up to fill the position left open by the resignation of Cory Spencer.

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