Minocqua town supervisors are agreeable to a Minocqua police dog program but supporters need to come up with $81,000 before final board approval.
Last night’s board action gives the department a green light for community fundraising. It will cost roughly $20,500 to buy the dog and to train the K-9 team. The remainder of the $81,000 is for a police vehicle. Supporters say they have about $30,000 in hand already and promise it won’t cost taxpayers anything.
Supervisor Sue Heil said, “The time is right. The benefits are a good thing.” The K-9 will sniff out narcotics, track missing people, locate suspects, and appear at local schools to warn kids about drug abuse.
But Town Chairman Mark Hartzehim argues the proper place for the K-9 is with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department. There are K-9 units at the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department, and Lac du Flambeau and Three Lakes police departments.
“This is going to cost us more than we expect,” said the town chairman.
Supervisor Bryan Jennings agrees the town will bear some costs in the future. But, he said, “I’m not coming up with a lot of money.”
What happens next is explained by Police Chief Dave Jaeger.
“We have several officers that are interested in spearheading the organization of soliciting donations out in the community. Anyone who wishes to show their support or donate to the K-9 program are more than welcomed to contact the Minocqua Police Department or the Minocqua town offices.
Those numbers are 356-3234 for the police department and 356-5296 for the town offices.
