(Lake County) The state of Montana’s May 20 deadline to release Lake County of its obligation to conduct felony law enforcement of tribal members on the Flathead Indian Reservation came and went, but as of this week, the local sheriff’s office is proceeding as normal — with one key difference. It’s now keeping track of its cost to handle tribal felonies and is considering sending the bill to the state.
Local officials have said the situation there is both “frustrating” and “fluid” as they try to figure out how to handle an issue that has been brewing for the last few years and finally came to a head this spring.
Governor Gianforte was required to sign affirmation that would release Lake County of its requirement, but 4 days before the deadline he said his offices said they were unable to because of a paperwork mistake.
This story was excerpted from the Montana Free Press.
