Dolores’ 2026 law enforcement services contract passed two major steps this week, earning unanimous Town Board approval Monday night and a unanimous vote from Montezuma County commissioners Tuesday morning.
At Monday’s Town Board meeting, some trustees expressed relief that the agreement is moving forward after months of debate over costs and liability language.
The contract now awaits Sheriff Steve Nowlin’s signature. Nowlin, who spoke in favor of the agreement at both meetings, said he expects to sign it after his attorney completes a final review.
The contract sets the cost at $143,000 for one dedicated deputy. The town paid $275,000 for two full-time deputies in 2025. Town Manager Leigh Reeves said the town could not afford the earlier $286,000 proposal presented this fall and worked with county staff on several revised copies reflecting the town’s financial limits.
Under the contract, the Sheriff’s Office will provide 40 hours of dedicated patrol time in town, enforce municipal and traffic ordinances, and submit monthly written reports and updates to the town.
During a public workshop Monday, commissioners and the sheriff briefly discussed the contract in Dolores, and a commissioner addressed concerns about service demands in unincorporated areas of the county.
Commission Chair Jim Candelaria said he wanted to ensure deputies would not overspend their time in the town so unincorporated communities do not lose coverage.
“Because looking at the numbers, you know, Steve, just to make sure we are obviously giving them what they are paying for but not so much extra, because we have the unincorporated part of the county that we need to focus on too,” Candelaria said.
He continued: “I guess, that’s my biggest rub is, that, if we are giving, now we are able to track this and see the time and hours that are spent there. I am asking … that we need to take care of the incorporated part of the county to not have so many hours that are in Dolores that are not being paid for.”
Nowlin responded that the Sheriff’s Office continues to serve all areas countywide but said he did not know how the $143,000 figure had been calculated.
“The incorporated part of the county is not being neglected at all,” Nowlin said. “They are actually covering that area. But, we have had this discussion before. I don’t know what the expenses are for $143,000, maybe you can tell me where that came from.”
Candelaria told the sheriff the amount reflects the full cost of one full-time deputy, including wages, benefits, vehicle operations and fuel, insurance and dispatch services.
Nowlin said his own calculations suggested the true cost exceeds that amount but emphasized that pricing was ultimately up to the town and county. Commissioners then moved to the next agenda item, and the contract proceeded to the town board’s regular meeting, where it passed.
The agreement takes effect Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2026, with the option for annual renewal.
The approval marks a significant step for both the town and county after previous difficulty negotiating law enforcement agreements.
A March 2025 analysis by consulting firm KRW Associates detailed the breakdown of the 2024 contract. Since the town does not operate its own police force, the report states the purpose of the annual intergovernmental contract is to fund increased enforcement and traffic calls above the minimal amount provided to the county’s unincorporated portions.
Although the sheriff and town agreed to a $250,000 proposal after months of discussion the sheriff initiated in 2023, county commissioners increased the amount to $375,000 to cover equipment such as firearms, ammunition, body cameras and uniforms.
That revised version was never signed, leaving the town without a contract in 2024.
KRW recommended earlier and more consistent communication among all three parties, along with clearer, itemized cost justifications. For 2025, the contract amount was lowered to $275,000.
The 2026 contract will provide:
- One full-time deputy dedicated to Dolores.
- Forty hours per week of services.
- Enforcement of town and traffic ordinances, liquor and marijuana licenses.
- Monthly written reports and board updates.
- Town-provided office space for a Dolores substation.
- Sheriff’s Office providing all equipment, labor and supervision.
- Town responsibility for municipal case prosecution and town’s jail bookings, at a little more than $100 a day.
