County rejects Nez Perce Air Patrol funding request

Whitman County commissioners Monday rejected a $1,000 request to help fund the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Air Patrol. Nez Perce County commissioners requested the contribution late last month.

A letter written by the Nez Perce commissioners said the air patrol is in need of funding to offset rising fuel and insurance costs. Those expenses cost the agency about $5,000 per year.

Citing the county’s budget deficit here, Whitman commissioners rejected the request,

"I think it’s a good thing for them," said Commissioner Greg Partch. "But asking for additional funding at this point is not something we need to get into."

Sheriff Brett Myers could not recall ever using the Nez Perce air patrol. Previous search and rescue missions here have drawn helicopters from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane County.

Though he said the nearby Nez Perce operation would be helpful in south county rescues, Myers said commissioners had to keep the county’s finances in mind with their decision.

"I see it as not a lot to pay for an organization to have that close at hand," said Myers. "But at the same time, I understand our budget is tight right now."