# Pine County Negotiates City Patrol Contracts

Pine County and Pine City, Hinckley, and Sandstone are negotiating renewals of sheriff’s patrol contracts. The Pine County Sheriff’s Office proposed a 6% rate increase and cited a service cost of $75.21 per hour; county commissioners raised a possible 5% increase as a compromise. Officials also discussed patrol hours, service outside city limits, and how costs should be allocated. Renewals are due in April, though the year is not specified. The reports describe negotiations between local governments, not an open solicitation for outside providers.

- Municipal procurement officials should clarify patrol hours, geographic coverage, and cost-sharing terms in the renewal documents so service expectations align with the rates.
- The proposed increase and hourly cost provide a basis for evaluating the cost of contracted law-enforcement coverage and comparing it with the service levels cities expect.
- Public-safety contractors should note that the immediate development concerns renewal negotiations with the county sheriff’s office, rather than a new competitive procurement.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Published:** October 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Pine County Sheriff's Office
- Pine County
- City of Pine City
- City of Hinckley
- City of Sandstone

### Key Quotes
> The county is still losing money on the contract (with a 6% increase to the city contracts). I think the cost of what it takes to put a deputy in a squad in your town should be what you pay.
> — Jeff Nelson, Pine County Sheriff

> We’re all here because we want the extra coverage and patrolling, but the problem is people don’t believe they’re getting their money’s worth.
> — Don Zemen, Hinckley Mayor

### Sources
- [Cities meet with Pine County sheriff over policing contracts | News | pinecountynews.com](https://www.pinecountynews.com/communities/north_pine_county/news/cities-meet-with-pine-county-sheriff-over-policing-contracts/article_f1ddffc9-daf5-4841-8922-a3008b202067.html) - pinecountynews.com
- [Cities meet with Pine County sheriff over policing contracts | News | pinecountynews.com](https://www.pinecountynews.com/communities/pinecity/news/cities-meet-with-pine-county-sheriff-over-policing-contracts/article_ac6caf4e-d4ff-4c86-aa46-305480b66170.html) - pinecountynews.com