HAYDEN, Idaho — The city of Hayden can't cover the doubled cost of law enforcement services that Kootenai County is demanding for police coverage through the sheriff's office.

For decades, Kootenai County deputies have patrolled Hayden through a shared resources model funded by both the city and county.

However, recent contract negotiations have fundamentally changed this arrangement, with county commissioners switching to a true cost model effective January 1.

The change requires Hayden to cover the full cost for its 10 dedicated deputies and a new police chief the city requested, raising next year's officer labor costs from $1.04 million to $1.8 million.

The city says it cannot afford the dramatic increase, given its current tax base, and claims it can only afford five deputies withi

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