CREEDE - Over the past several months, the Mineral County Sheriff alongside the Mineral County Board of County Commissioners have been working to create an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Creede to provide law enforcement services within town limits. 

The City of Creede reviewed the proposed IGA during a meeting on July 1 and passed the agreement unanimously. Within the agreement, the City of Creede will provide funding for the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office of $30,000 for the rest of 2025 and $60,000 for 2026. The agreement is a two-year agreement with terms of negotiation after four years. 

The IGA states, “A. Agreement to Supply Law Enforcement Services. The COUNTY agrees to furnish the TOWN with reasonable law enforcement services as deemed necessary by the SHERIFF during the life of this Law Enforcement IGA. The SHERIFF agrees to furnish such deputy sheriffs as may be needed by or requested by the TOWN from time to time, provided such deputies are available and their assignment will not adversely affect law enforcement services provided to unincorporated po11ions of the COUNTY, as determined in the SHERIFF'S sole discretion. Except as otherwise provided by this Law Enforcement IGA or by Colorado law, the SHERIFF reserves the right to determine all law enforcement functions, including those deemed extraordinary.” 

“This is a huge step in the right direction. We are now able to offer law enforcement and emergency services to the town and receive compensation that can be used to aid in equipment and more resources. I commend the town and the county for working on this and for getting it done. This is what our community needs. This is what our community deserves,” said Mineral County Sheriff Terry Wetherill. 

Historically, the City of Creede has not had a designated law enforcement entity and until now, has relied on help from the Mineral County Sheriff's Office free of charge. “It is expensive to operate. Between coverage with deputies, equipment and resources, we just couldn’t continue without an agreement. I have always wanted Creede to go back to the days when the community felt safe. Where you didn’t have to worry about your child riding a bike two blocks away or if your yard would be robbed. This agreement is another step towards making that happen again. It’s how we make sure this community is safe.” 

Wetherill also spoke about the recent Fourth of July celebrations in town, stating that this year was the most organized and executed event Creede has had in a while. “Thanks to the people who really showed up this year and made the Fourth a great event. The City of Creede, all the staff and volunteers, really did an amazing job. Working with them was a pleasure.”