Finance Committee Rejects Helmet and Shield Purchase

The Door County Finance Committee squashed a request by Sheriff Tammy Sternard for nearly $10,000 to buy 34 sets of protective helmets and shields for her department. The request had come to the committee’s Monday meeting from the Public Safety Committee, which approved the nonbudgeted item last week before sending it on to the Finance Committee. 

The issue grew contentious during the past week between those who believed the equipment was necessary and those who thought the purchase sent an aggressive message during a time of public protests.

District 6 Supervisor Susan Kohout, vice chair of the Finance Committee, said she has received more emails from constituents than she has ever received on any other issue. 

The sheriff, too, said she’s had numerous conversations with people since her oversight committee approved the request last week. She said she understood both sides of the issue, but as the sheriff, it was her job to prepare for the unknown.

Monday’s decision followed public comments from people who opposed the purchase, along with almost 90 minutes of discussion by committee members. For the complete story and what happens next, see this week’s issue of the Peninsula Pulse.