Latah County sheriff taking measures to combat fuel costs

Rising fuel costs are putting a price on justice in Latah County.

Latah Sheriff Wayne Rausch requires his deputies to ride together to save money. The county took the same step last year because of high gas prices.

The downside is that only one car will patrol the streets or highways of Latah County at certain times. Generally it’s an early morning shift, after 3 a.m., Rausch said.

The sheriff instituted several policies to save on gas costs after learning his office will go over its fuel budget two months before the new budget begins in October. Rausch estimates the department will spend $15,000 more than budgeted for fuel, even after making deputies carpool and cutting down on late-night shifts.

The cost of fuel is becoming a concern in law enforcement agencies around North Idaho, where dozens of vehicles can be out at any time roaming the streets and highways. Gas prices, though, seem to be hitting Latah County the hardest.

Coeur d’Alene police are making do with what they have, although the cost of business definitely is increasing, said Sgt. Christie Wood, spokeswoman for the Police Department.

Idaho State Police officials have not issued any fuel-saving measures yet, said Capt. Wayne Longo, but troopers do get less training, unless it is critical or mission-specific.

“I’m realizing that I’m already at my $60,000 budget,” Rausch said, “and if gas continues to rise, and we’re at $4 a gallon like some say we will be, we’re going to be in a lot of trouble.”

Having deputies pair up could mean a wait time of up to two hours, depending on the call, said Detective Jennifer McFarland, Latah County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman.

A call of a physical assault could take deputies away from an in-progress burglary, McFarland said. More deputies could be called out for emergencies, she added.

“It might take longer for a response,” she said. “I just can’t afford to have numerous units out consuming a lot of gasoline doing patrols.”

Rausch said last year he requested more than $74,000 for his fuel budget but was allocated $60,000. He asked for more than $85,000 this year to account for increased gas prices but was told by county commissioners that budget lines for the 2007 fiscal year will have to remain the same as the 2006 figures because of budget constraints.

Rausch also said that he was told he would be given $30,000 in additional funding for the department, but it was not designated for any specific purpose. That means he has to decide if he wants to use the money for next year’s fuel budget or give it to another program. Rausch bought two drug dogs for the department, but those have yet to be funded by county commissioners, he said.

“That’s the kind of stuff we won’t be able to continue if we don’t get increased funding,” he said.

Meanwhile, north of Latah, Longo said fuel prices are an issue for the Idaho State Police but are not severe yet.

“If fuel continues to rise we may have to look at something like what the sheriff is doing,” Longo said.

He added that his office probably isn’t seeing the same issues now because they are on a different budget cycle than most counties and cities. The state budget runs July 1 to June 30.

Longo said state police have seen fuel cost savings by using patrol cars that do not have light bars on top of the vehicles. Troopers with slick-top cars have seen a 15 percent savings in gas mileage – “quite a bit of difference in fuel economy,” he said.

Rausch said he understands that every department in Latah County is feeling the budget crunch, but he hopes people recognize the importance of public safety.

“All departments have needs. However, I have 53 employees counting myself, which makes us the largest office within the complex,” he said. “Mine is the only one that has to run 24-7. Mine is the only one that has to put vehicles on the road 24-7.”