By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Lack of recent cooperation between the Geary County Sheriff's Department and Junction City Police Department along with Geary County jail needs were topics for candidates for sheriff Eric Coffman and Nathan Boeckman Thursday night. Coffman is currently serving as sheriff while Boeckman is challenging for the job. They spoke during a Chamber of Commerce forum at the C. L. Hoover Opera House.
Boeckman said for the past two years he had been approached by many community members concerned about local law enforcement not getting along and training together. "That's unfortunate for our community and that is the biggest reason I am running. Because if we think we're getting the best service here in Geary County without our local law enforcement working together then you're confused."
Eric Coffman said he agreed with Boeckman, the agencies should be getting along, and issues mentioned occurred before he had the ability to make a decision to fix those problems. He noted the Sheriff's Department however, had great relationships with some other agencies. "I have done extensive things to reach out to the Junction City Police Department, specifically to figure out what we can do to work better." He cited discussions with police leadership and the Junction City Police Officers Association on the question of what can be done to make things better. Coffman said the issue bothered him as well and at some point needs to be reciprocated because one person can't do it.
Both candidates were supportive of voters speaking with local law enforcement to find out the reasons they have for not working with the sheriff's office.
On the subject of the Geary County Detention Center there was a recent recommendation that $29 million was needed to make needed repairs and improvements. Coffman said, "My thoughts on it are it's terrible. That's where it's at right now. "The problem is, some of those things are out of the control of me specifically." Coffman added that the facility control is run by the public works and maintenance department. It will take collaboration with the county commission, sheriff's department and public works to try to repair and improve the facility. One question that will have to be answered is does Geary County need a new facility?
Boeckman has checked on options that might exist for federal or state money for the issue. He's hoping some funding can be obtained, "But I don't think we can get around repairing or actually creating a new jail."
Boeckman pointed out that the situation with the facility has been there for awhile and he asked Coffman why this problem had not been budgeted for sooner. Coffman said he had only been the sheriff since January so the current operating budget is not his. He has negotiated a spending plan for 2025, but ultimately the item for jail maintenance and improvements will be through facilities and not his budget.
Candidates for Second District Geary County Commission, Geary County Clerk and the 68th House District also participated in the Chamber forum.
The election is Nov. 5th.