Sheriff given green light for more patrol units

FALLS CITY - The Richardson County Board gave its approval Tuesday for additional sheriff’s deputies and new patrol units, including one fitted for a K9.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the sheriff’s office reported grant funding from the US Department of Agriculture for two patrol units.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty and Chief Deputy Roland Merwin also discussed improvements to a patrol unit to accommodate a K9 unit.

Commissioners authorized an additional deputy to bring the total to eight, not including the sheriff and chief deputy.

Unofficial meeting minutes say the sheriff received a $1.2 million proposal for communication systems that would include a new tower and base station.

Also Tuesday, EMA Director Brian Kirkendall regarding removal of an underground storage tank at the courthouse.