Opinion No. Oag 16-89, (1989)

KENNETH J. BUKOWSKI, Corporation Counsel Brown County

You ask two questions concerning the authority of a sheriff with respect to dispatch operations. Your first question is as follows: "Does the Sheriff have authority, either statutory and/or at common law, to enter an agreement such as the attached dispatch agreement without approval by the County Board or one of its committees?"

In my opinion, the answer is no.

In essence, the agreement would provide twenty-four hour dual dispatch service to the Oneida Tribal Public Safety Department for a one year period in return for a monthly payment of…