Our View: Town needs a resident deputy

We’re convinced the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office should find a way to post a resident deputy in Wamsutter.

During a recent meeting to discuss potential impact funding to be distributed in Sweetwater County, representatives of the town voiced concerns about law enforcement in their community, especially when they expect additional workers to live in Wamsutter during much of Rocky Mountain Power’s Gateway West transmission line project.

The cost Wamsutter’s representatives expect to pay for its officer is $200,000, an amount that includes the officer’s wages, benefits and necessary equipment. This is an extraordinary cost for such a small town to bear. We also don’t believe in the office’s plan for increased patrols during the project’s working hours will be effective in deterring bad behavior in Wamsutter. The main concern is what happens after working hours, when some the temporary residents in Wamsutter may end up overindulging and ultimately become a problem.

We understand Capt. Rich Hawkins’ assessment that the only calls the sheriff’s office typically receives from Wamsutter involve vehicle incidents at the nearby truck stop, but that doesn’t factor the potential impacts the town will face during the project’s lifetime.

We also don’t doubt the difficulties in finding a person to live in the community.

While we think the office should fill the position, we think it should only be done on a temporary basis through the life of Gateway West’s first phase.

Commissioners Reid West and John Kolb expressed disappointment with the sheriff’s decision and as such should be the ones spearheading an attempt to staff a deputy in Wamsutter.

Yes, Sheriff Mike Lowell has the final say in staffing matters for the sheriff’s office, but we see a potential for the commissioners and sheriff to work together in solving the problem.

The county could provide some additional funding to help cover the costs of placing a deputy in the town and help lessen the burden on the sheriff’s office. The county could also provide housing assistance to help attract a deputy to the town.

For residents of Green River and Rock Springs, the issue is likely a minor one as it doesn’t directly impact them.

However, for the 484 residents of Wamsutter, this is a safety concern. It deserves attention and a solution from the county government.