In a rare show of unified concern across Hennepin County, Andrew Mullin and Jamie Baker have joined dozens of mayors and police chiefs in signing a joint letter urging continued funding and support for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
The letter—addressed to county commissioners—comes in response to recent public comments by Marion Greene, who stated she is “not willing to fund the sheriff to provide public safety for Hennepin County” and suggested that street-level safety should rest solely with local police departments.
For Wayzata’s leadership, that assertion prompted a clear and immediate response.
A Shared Responsibility
In the letter, local leaders emphasize that public safety across Hennepin County functions as a shared system—not a set of isolated departments.
“Public safety in Hennepin County is a shared responsibility, and the Sheriff’s Office is an indispensable part of that ecosystem,” the letter states.
That system includes critical services many residents rarely see but rely on daily:
- 911 dispatch
- crime lab and forensic analysis
- investigative support
- regional task forces
Some cities, including smaller communities like Greenfield, rely entirely on the Sheriff’s Office for primary patrol services. Even in well-resourced cities like Wayzata, those county-level systems form the backbone behind local policing.
Why It Matters for Wayzata
Mayor Mullin and Chief Baker framed the issue in practical—not political—terms.
While Wayzata maintains a high-performing local police department, it does not operate in isolation. From major investigations to emergency response coordination, the city depends on county infrastructure that would be difficult—if not impossible—to replicate locally.
The letter underscores that point with real-world examples, citing the Sheriff’s Office response to major incidents across the county, including shootings, hostage situations, and complex forensic investigations.
Budget Context
The concern also centers on proportion.
According to the letter, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office accounts for approximately 6% of the county’s operating budget—a relatively small share for what local leaders describe as essential, countywide infrastructure.
“We need that investment,” the signatories write, urging commissioners to fund the office appropriately.
A System Under Strain
The letter also points to broader staffing realities across the metro.
Leaders note that the Minneapolis area already ranks among the lowest nationally in police staffing per capita. Removing or reducing the Sheriff’s role, they argue, would not shift responsibilities smoothly—it would create gaps.
“This is not a hypothetical,” the letter states, warning that without adequate support, crimes could go unsolved and emergency response systems could be strained.
A Regional Voice
The signatories span nearly every corner of Hennepin County—from Minneapolis to Minnetonka, Plymouth to Orono—reflecting a rare consensus among local governments.
For Wayzata, a city shaped by cooperation—from its earliest days along the north shore of Lake Minnetonka to its modern role within a regional network—this moment fits into a longer civic tradition.
Founded in 1854 as a small settlement along Dakota hunting grounds and later connected by rail and steamboat, Wayzata has long depended on shared systems—transportation, commerce, and public safety alike—to thrive.
Looking Ahead
For residents, the debate may feel distant—but its implications are not.
At its core, the issue is about how public safety is structured, funded, and sustained across a growing and interconnected region.
Wayzata’s leadership, alongside their peers, is making a clear case: the system works because it is shared—and preserving that system is essential to keeping communities safe.
Wayzata.com will continue to follow this story as Hennepin County officials consider budget priorities and the future role of the Sheriff’s Office.
