BENNETT, Colo. — The Town of Bennett is divided by Interstate 70. The north part is Adams County and the south part is Arapahoe County. Bennett was covered by two sheriff's offices until a contract with the Adams County Sheriff's Office ended on March 1.
Now the Adams County Sheriff's Office says for people on the north side of town, deputies will only respond to emergencies. The sheriff's office said all other complaints and non-emergencies should go to the Board of Trustees and town staff.
A spokesperson for the department said the types of calls that could be diverted include parking complaints or car thefts.
The town said it also works with Colorado State Patrol to provide patrolling services and coverages for crashes and other incidents.
Bennett says about 3,000 people live in the north part of town.
According to Bennett, contract negotiations with Adams County fell through because of a lack of communication and the sheriff's request to increase the budget by 26%. The town said it budgeted for a 6% increase based on a 6% quarterly increase in calls for service.
"Residents can expect continued emergency safety services throughout this transition process. The Town of Bennett is committed to keeping the Town a safe community for each and every one of our valued neighbors," said a town statement.
The Adams County's Sheriffs Office said it will still give the 29J School District a uniformed deputy until the Town of Bennett provides public safety services in the town.
"We are disappointed that we will no longer maintain the relationships built and provide services to the Town of Bennett but respect the decisions of the town’s elected officials," said a statement from the Adams County Sheriff's Office.
Bennett is currently negotiation with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office to provide services to the entire town. The town expects the agreement to be approved in March with the goal of services beginning in April.
More reporting by Kelly Reinke:
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