As the former Police Chief of this community for six and a half years, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to keep our residents safe—and what happens when our emergency services don’t have the resources and space they need.
I’m writing to express my full support for the proposed 0.5% sales tax dedicated to funding our Police and Fire Departments. This modest increase—just fifty cents on every $100 spent—will directly support funding for an improved building and better-quality work environment for the men and women of the Devils Lake Police Department.
During my time as Police Chief, I worked with dedicated professionals who often made do with outdated tools and limited funding. While their commitment never wavered, it’s time we give them the support they deserve. This proposal will help ensure that when someone dials 911, help arrives swiftly—with the right training, tools, and personnel.
I advocated moving the Police Department out of the Law Enforcement Center throughout my time as the Chief. We had a plan to build a new building, but other priorities became more important; like in-car computers, updated radios, and other safety equipment. Although the Law Enforcement Center has always been accommodating, lack of space for training, appropriate evidence space, and a secure front entrance has become more of an issue in these unique times.
Not to mention the Police Department has fourteen vehicles and no garage space. Many officers bring their vehicles home to their own garages and do minor repairs on their off time in the effort to spare the City some maintenance costs. Every patrol car has over $20,000 in electronic equipment. When I first started in law enforcement, that wasn’t the case but now it is standard across the field. The winters can be very hard on our vehicles and the equipment now in them.
There is an opportunity to move the Police Department downtown. From my experience, I feel that would be a prime location and the best return on investment for the citizens and businesses of Devils Lake.
Unlike property taxes, this sales tax will be shared more fairly, including by visitors and regional residents who also benefit from these essential services when shopping or traveling through our community. In addition, we’re proposing eliminating the monthly $9 water source replacement fee on each utility account, which will make this proposal a net-neutral cost for most residents and households in city limits.
Public safety should never be underfunded. I encourage everyone to vote yes on the 0.5% sales tax for emergency services. It’s a small investment that will ensure Devils Lake has quality public safety services long into the future.
Sincerely,
Joe Knowski, City Commissioner & Former Police Chief, City of Devils Lake
Verified by phone – LAO on 7-10-25
