Cass County Officials Concerned After A Failed Bill on The 24-7 Sobriety Program

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner said legislative action may result in the county having to cover more of the cost of the 24-7 sobriety program.

A bill that would have stopped judges from waiving program fees, was defeated in the House.

The program started in 2008 by the attorney general’s office brings in people convicted of a DUI or other drug charges into the jail on a daily to weekly basis.

Running the program costs more than $300,000.

Many in Cass County are concerned about the fees that may add up.

“As a ripple effect of increased crime due to lack of patrol staff, equipment, and not effecting an arrest when it should be done. It takes money away from a department budget that could be spent on facilities, equipment, training, and staff. I’m in full support of our law enforcement community and I urge you to be as well,” said Rep. TJ Brown, (R) Fargo.

The bill had passed the Senate earlier on a unanimous vote.