CASCASE, Mont. — Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter said people in Cascade should have clear answers about costs and staffing before leaders decide whether to create a town police department.
According to the press release, a public meeting on the proposal was scheduled for August 13, 2026. The sheriff said the decision belongs to the town’s residents and elected leaders under Montana law.
Slaughter said he respected the discussion and was not against the town starting its own department. He said residents still needed a better sense of what it would take to keep that department running all day and all year.
He said he was concerned the total cost of a town-run department could end up being much higher than the current county contract.
Slaughter said the Town Council had said it could not afford the $93,000 yearly contract offered through the Cascade County Commissioners for Sheriff’s Office coverage. He said that should prompt questions about the full cost of running a separate department, including staffing, dispatch, recordkeeping, evidence storage and office support.
He also disputed a rumor about the current contract. Slaughter said the town would not face added charges for things like SWAT, detectives, search and rescue, K-9 units or other specialized Sheriff’s Office help if the county contract stayed in good standing.
He said state law could allow the Sheriff’s Office to bill the town if Cascade forms its own department but cannot cover all calls and county deputies have to respond. He said those charges could include patrol work, investigations and other specialized services.
Slaughter said Cascade residents should have full and clear information before making a decision. He urged people to attend the August 13 meeting, ask questions and weigh the long-term cost before the town moves ahead.