Overview
- Commissioner Marion Greene’s remarks, made Tuesday during a board committee meeting, stated she was not willing to fund the sheriff to provide countywide public safety.
- Sheriff Dawanna Witt said state law requires sheriffs to keep and preserve the peace and listed core duties that include running the jail, court security, major‑incident support, and investigations.
- Dozens of mayors and police chiefs sent a letter calling the comments not grounded in reality, tradition or Minnesota law, citing routine mutual aid and countywide services.
- The clash emerged as the board was asked March 25 to cover an $11 million 2025 public safety budget overrun, which Greene said she voted to support while urging tighter spending controls.
- No changes to the sheriff’s mandate or funding have been decided, and local chiefs point to 3,200 assists, 550 illegal guns seized and 2,000 warrant arrests last year to stress operational reliance.