Sheriff's office to man watercraft inspection stations

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office has entered into an agreement with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to staff multiple watercraft invasive species inspection stations around the county.

Sheriff Daryl Wheeler came before the Bonner County commissioners Tuesday to talk about the proposed agreement.

“The sheriff’s office will provide all necessary personnel, equipment, supplies supervision, et cetera to provide law enforcement services related to the Idaho invasive species inspection protocol,” he said.

The sheriff’s department will man three watercraft inspection stations around Bonner County. ISDA is prepared to pay for these services up to $132,165, payable in four equal installments of $33,041, Wheeler said.

“Law enforcement shall provide patrols for up to 35 hours per week at a flat $50 an hour rate,” he said.

This includes mileage and supplies for up to 18 weeks at six days per week, the sheriff added.

While the agreement was supposed to begin at the end of June, some hiccups delayed the process and did not come before the commissioners until Tuesday. Because of this, the proposed agreement would start immediately, should the commissioners approve it, and be in effect until Oct. 31.

Without any questions or discussion from the board, the agreement was approved unanimously.