The Page County Board of Supervisors approved the $10,500 purchase of a Belgian Malinois for the sheriff's office's new K-9 unit. The $20,000 program will be funded through a combination of dedicated department reserves, budget amendments, and private community donations.
CLARINDA, IA — The Page County Sheriff’s Office is moving forward with the acquisition of a new drug-detection and tracking dog following approval from the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
Sheriff Charles McCalla told the board he is working with an Omaha-based trainer to purchase a 12-week-old female Belgian Malinois for $10,500. The cost includes the initial purchase and training for the dog’s handler, Deputy Kodie Powers.
The K-9 will be a single-purpose animal trained to detect narcotics, track missing persons or suspects, and conduct article searches. Total startup costs are expected to reach just over $20,000, which covers the dog, $3,500 to upfit a Dodge Durango for K-9 use, and approximately $2,500 for kennels at the sheriff’s office and the handler’s home.
McCalla said the department will use $9,900 from a current budget line item and seek a budget amendment to access a dedicated K-9 fund containing more than $35,000. Community support has already offset some future expenses, as Davison Feed in Braddyville has offered to donate dog food, and the office recently received $4,700 in private donations.
The new program will also include a $3,000 annual pay increase for Powers to account for the daily care and maintenance of the animal. Annual veterinary costs are estimated at $786. Supervisors Chair Judy Clark noted that while the down payment is available, a formal budget amendment is required to shift the remaining necessary funds into the operational budget