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Lakes Area Police Commission checked-off one of its to-do  boxes last week when the 2027 budget was adopted. The budget numbers need to be accepted into the Chisago City and Lindstrom levy process; in time for proposed taxes to go to the county for preliminary 2027 tax statements this fall.

The Lakes Area Police Department said goodbye to two longtime retiring personnel this year, so the budget is estimated to decrease in wages and related benefits considering there will be entry level hires. Finance manager Cassie Gemuenden also explained to the commission that the annual workers’ compensation premium is dipping in 2027 based on the formula and actual claims experience.

 These savings might be eaten up, however, by the bill for new software the department is updating to,  and Lakes Area is joining a multi-agency cloud digital data storage program.

Chief Schlumbohm also spoke about a corporal position he is introducing in 2027.  

Situated between a patrol officer and a sergeant— this title will bring a $1,500 added expense to payroll but the commission agreed it is a wise adjustment.  Corporals give the patrol personnel something to advance toward and will be a gradual stepping stone to sergeant.  The position will oversee city code enforcement cases and be responsible for coordinating personnel for special community events.

Schlumbohm added that he was able to bundle and extend the contracts with Axon, which provides taser equipment, bodyworn cameras and squad cameras,  for a savings over several years.

In total the bill for each city will be about $1.37 million, if city councils approve.  This amounts to an increase from 2026 of about $38,000 or 2.84 percent overall.

Meanwhile, the debate and review on the best plan to proceed on a new public safety facility continues.  The police commission agreed after the last discussion on the topic of a new build project, or to re-use the Lindstrom city hall that the commission would give Chisago City time to run  an optional analysis and allow Chisago City Council to choose the preferred approach. Lakes Area Police. now share space at Lindstrom City Hall but the commission has put together a new build option near the Chisago City Fire Hall on public land. The state legislature was asked for multiple years for state aid in paying for the estimated $9 million facility— but the police commission was unsuccessful in obtaining any money.  Lindstrom leaders opposed the project at the monetary level that was left for the two cities to support,    and instead Lindstrom City Council investigated the re-use of the Lindstrom Community Center and city hall entirely for law enforcement operations.  No decision has been made on how to proceed yet.

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