Sheriff's Budget Keeps Costs Steady Amid Rising Challenges

DECORAH — Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx presented his proposed FY26 budget to the Board of Supervisors on Monday. Marx's discussion revolved around financial restraint while also addressing staffing challenges in the jail and concerns about potential impacts from legislative and policy changes. Marx informed the board that the FY26 budget remained largely unchanged from the previous year: "I know the budget is tight this year, so I've held the line, bringing everything straight across from last year," Marx said. He added that over the past decade, the Sheriff's Office has returned an average of $200,000 annually to the county from unused budget allocations. This approach, Marx explained, provides a buffer for unexpected expenses. "We're very careful with what we spend, and anything we don't need goes back to the county. This ensures we're prepared for emergencies without scrambling," he said. Staffing Pressures in Jail OperationsWhile the sheriff expressed optimism about deputy recruitment, the jail continues to face significant staffing challenges. Marx described the situation as "the tale of two cities," with deputy positions attracting strong applicants—but jailer roles proving difficult to fill. "We've had some open jail positions for quite some time and are struggling to find candidates," Marx said, citing high turnover and the demanding nature of the work as contributing factors. The jail's staffing requirements, including the need for female officers when female inmates are present, further complicate the hiring process. Marx stated that two current openings for deputies had drawn a strong slate of certified and experienced applicants, allowing the department to avoid sending recruits to the law enforcement academy. "It's been nearly 50 years since we've had to send a new hire through the academy, which has saved the county substantial costs in training and salaries," Marx said, estimating potential savings at $50,000 to $70,000 per deputy. Stay informed, stay empowered: invest in the journalism that invests in you. Potential Budget Impacts from Mental Health Policy ChangesMarx raised concerns about possible budget increases stemming from changes to mental health funding. He explained that current costs for mental health transports and related services are covered by county social services, but this funding could shift to counties. "If that happens, it will have a serious impact on our budget," Marx said. Supervisors acknowledged the uncertainty, with Supervisor Mark Faldet noting ongoing discussions among state legislators about restructuring mental health funding. Legislative and Funding ConcernsMarx also highlighted broader legislative challenges affecting county budgets, particularly property tax changes under House File 718, which limit the growth of general fund revenues. The legislation, Marx noted, reallocates funds rather than creating real savings for taxpayers, leaving counties to navigate inflation and rising costs with restricted revenue streams. "This puts the Board of Supervisors in one heck of a pinch," Marx said. "Taxes are a necessary reality to provide the services people want, need, and enjoy. Without adequate funding, we can't even begin to have the debate about how to allocate resources." Despite the challenges, Marx expressed gratitude for the board's ongoing support of law enforcement. "We've been fortunate to maintain a good reputation and have been supported by this board financially and otherwise," Marx said. The supervisors commended Marx for his fiscal management and ongoing commitment to public safety. The board will finalize its review of the Sheriff's Office budget as part of broader county budget discussions in the coming weeks. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.