Sheriff-elect discusses goals and possible plans - KOAM TV 7

Now that it's official, the next sheriff for Jasper County is drawing up plans for the future of law enforcement in the county.

Tuesday's election sealed the position for Randee Kaiser.

Kaiser will take over for Archie Dunn, who was often at odds with the Jasper County commission.

Kaiser says he knows that was a concern to voters when he campaigned and he believes it's important to have a good relationship with commissioners who set the budget.

Kaiser says, once sheriff, he will take a few months to review operations but is already considering moving offices from County Road 100 to the county annex on the square.

Kaiser said during his campaign and says now that he believes it's more logical fiscally to not rent a location - at nearly $69,000 a year - when the county already has space.

"It's empty, the county owns it, it's close to the county - close to the courthouse - close to the jail, it reduces the amount of travel time between those locations," says Kaiser.  "If it's an adequate facility, which it appears it is, then I would certainly look into that."

Kaiser likes the idea of the county trying to secure property behind the jail for a possible expansion or adding a manufactured type pod.  He says those are not designed to be permanent.

Kaiser says his goal is not to cut his budget but manage it well so the sheriff's office is financially ready to deal with growing communities and the need for more jail space.

The swearing in of county officers is tentatively scheduled for December 28.