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Marshall County Commissioners approve $27,000 for Drug Task Force safety equipment

Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Marshall County Commissioners approved up to $27,000 Monday for the purchase of ballistic safety equipment for the Marshall County Drug Task Force, following a request from Prosecuting Attorney Nelson Chipman and Detective Sergeant Jonathon Bryant of the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.

Chipman and Bryant appeared before the Board of Commissioners to request funding for two Level 3+ ballistic shields capable of stopping rifle rounds, two ballistic helmets, and four gas masks with filters. The total cost of the equipment was listed at $25,206 plus shipping.

Prosecutor Chipman proposed using the remaining balance of the Opioid Unrestricted Fund to cover a portion of the purchase, with the remainder coming from his Drug Task Force budget. Commissioner Stan Klotz noted the Unrestricted Opioid Fund held approximately $17,000, while County Auditor Angie Birchmeier put the figure closer to $16,000.

The Commissioners ultimately approved the expenditure of up to $27,000, with the full balance of the Opioid Unrestricted Fund covering the majority of the cost and the Drug Task Force budget covering the remaining balance of approximately $8,500.