Town of Nowthen Faces Policing Decision

NOWTHEN, Minn. (AP) - A small Minnesota community has a big decision to make.

The Anoka County sheriff's office has warned the city of Nowthen that if it doesn't sign a contract and start paying for law enforcement, it will get minimal coverage starting next year, only for true emergencies.

With a population of 4,400, Nowthen is the only city in Anoka County without a police department or a contract with the sheriff.

The city now pays nothing. The sheriff is offering a quarter-million-dollar deal for 8 hours of deputy coverage a day and round the clock response. Residents would pay an added 6 percent in property taxes, averaging less than $20 more per month.

Residents appeared divided at a community meeting Thursday. The City Council and mayor are expected to vote next month.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)