# Cleveland Considers County Law-Enforcement Contract

Cleveland, Minnesota, is favoring continued law-enforcement coverage from the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office, but city officials have not made a final decision. The proposed 2027–2029 arrangement would provide about 20 patrol hours and 20 administrative hours per week, at $50 per hour in 2027, $55 in 2028, and $60 in 2029—approximately $104,000 annually in 2027, rising to about $125,000 in 2029. The city is comparing it with a county-provided dedicated-sergeant option and rebuilding its police department; officials are seeking a decision before the 2027 levy is finalized in December 2026.

- The dedicated-sergeant alternative is estimated at about $157,000, or about $186,000 with 10 additional patrol hours per week. Vehicle outfitting, maintenance, fuel, and equipment would cost extra and have not been determined.
- The leading option is not yet an award. The city’s decision will determine the scope and cost of local law-enforcement services and inform its 2027 budget and levy planning.
- Procurement and public-sector service teams assessing similar arrangements can compare the proposed patrol and administrative hours, rate schedule, and included operating expenses against the staffing and additional costs of a dedicated-sergeant model.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Published:** October 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office
- City of Cleveland
- Cleveland City Council
- Cleveland Police Department

### Sources
- [Le Sueur County favored to replace Cleveland Police Department after city workshop](https://www.southernminn.com/le_sueur_county_news/news/le-sueur-county-favored-to-replace-cleveland-police-department-after-city-workshop/article_38eee9fb-773e-4d3c-b139-521069433912.html) - Southernminn.com