Archive for October, 2009
October 30th, 2009 | 
Author: Media Release
October 30, 2009
In follow up and continuing efforts to keep the public notified of emergency changes in the Crisis in County Government press release October 22, 2009.
It has become necessary to prioritize and cut certain services in an effort to keep sworn Deputy Sheriffs positions.
We have identified a need to reduce service to Cascade County in response to Animal Control calls.
The Animal Control budget was presented to them in May, the first round budget proposal, it was cut as part of the Commissions demand we reduce our proposed budget by 1.8 million dollars.
Today I want to advise you that effective immediately we will only be responding to bite complaints and those animal calls that are evaluated by the shift supervisors as needing a response due to public safety reasons.
More will follow on this during our November 12 meeting at the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office 3800 Ulm North Frontage Road at 6:30 PM.
Sheriff David L. Castle
Media Release
October 30, 2009
In follow up and continuing efforts to keep the public notified of emergency changes in the Crisis in County Government press release October 22, 2009.
It has become necessary to prioritize and cut certain services in an effort to keep sworn Deputy Sheriffs positions.
We have identified a need to reduce service to Cascade County in response to Animal Control calls.
The Animal Control budget was presented to them in May, the first round budget proposal, it was cut as part of the Commissions demand we reduce our proposed budget by 1.8 million dollars.
Today I want to advise you that effective immediately we will only be responding to bite complaints and those animal calls that are evaluated by the shift supervisors as needing a response due to public safety reasons.
More will follow on this during our November 12 meeting at the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office 3800 Ulm North Frontage Road at 6:30 PM.
Sheriff David L. Castle
Posted in 
Media Release
October 28, 2009
With the recent heavy snows in the Little Belt Mountains our office along with our Cascade County Search and Rescue unit has responded to three calls for service. Late yesterday we had a report of a stranded hunter who had become stuck in the deep snow off of Divide Road near Dry Park. Search and Rescue supported by our office along with two Fish Wildlife and Parks Wardens were able to locate and bring the hunter out without incident.
An attempt was made to welfare check other hunters in the area but due to the two to four feet of fresh snow with no base compounded by heavy winds snow mobiles were unable to do the complete the check.
Currently Search and Rescue supported by our Office and the Forest Service is responding to a report of two males walking out from Harley Park on Divide road due to their trucks being stuck.
Our Office is in support of the Lewis and Clark National Forest press release advising caution when heading into the mountains on your upcoming hunts. Remember to take extra food & water, have clothing and gear to sustain you if you should become stuck. The forest roads above 4000 feet are difficult or impassible.
For those that have family or friends currently camped in those areas be advised that the Forest Service did a check on that area Saturday and all appeared to be well prepared for the upcoming weather. Also be aware they may be delayed in getting out due to the heavy snow. If you have concerns please feel free to contact the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office or the Lewis and Clark National Forest.
Be Safe
David L. Castle, Sheriff
Media Release
October 23, 2009
As a follow up to yesterday’s press release, Crisis in County Government, failure to fund the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner budget for 2009-2010. The date set for the public meeting to answer questions is November 12, 2009 at our Office 3800 Ulm North Frontage Road the time is 6:30 PM.
A statement has been made by the County Commission Chairperson that no cuts of personnel are required. This will be addressed at the November 12 meeting.
The fact is we identified a problem. In the 1980’s this office had 40 Deputy Sheriffs, in 2006 this office had 36 Deputy Sheriffs, last year, this Office had 35 Deputy Sheriffs. To date I have been forced to loose 3 more Deputy Sheriffs, leaving me with 32 Deputy Sheriffs.
This is an unacceptable trend and can not continue.
I hope to see you on the 12th of November.
Sheriff David L. Castle
Welcome everyone, I called you here to day because Cascade County is facing a crisis in government. Is the elected Office of Sheriff, an office sworn to protect the public, who is qualified, trained, and experienced, going to manage that duty or are the County Commissioners?
This County Commission has signed contracts, increased wages, negotiated labor agreements, implemented policy and procedures that obligates costs for this Office and severely impacts our ability to prepare for, respond to, mitigate effects and deal with the aftermath of the emergencies WE handle!. And then failed to fund those same obligations, Casting the responsibility of a budget to me, that they constantly interfere with.
My budget has been approximately $9.2 million for the last 3 years, while they have obligated over $2 million in wage increases alone for this Office the last 4 years including a pay raise for themselves at the sacrifice of public safety now.
To meet the budget they have set for this Office, I will be losing three 3 deputies, one animal control officer and 12 twelve detention officers. As a direct result of the loss in deputy’s, I must suspend our 20 member deputy reserve force. We are currently reviewing more crisis response plans for Law enforcement, the Coroner Office, and Detention facility.
I firmly believe in this only elected Office of law enforcement and the most effective form of government responsive to the people. Therefore I have scheduled the first of several meetings open to the public here at there Office November 12th , starting at 6:30pm. The importance of this office being transparent and open to discussion and input from the public is critical and the fundamental duty of government.
Sheriff David L. Castle