Flathead County Tallies $58,000 in Overtime for Trump Visit Security

Flathead County spent about $58,000 on security during President Donald Trump's Oct. 14 visit to the Flathead Valley.

The county released the figure on Oct. 28, two weeks after the visit. The tally covers the week before the event and the day of it. Most of the money went to overtime pay for Flathead County Sheriff's Office staff who worked alongside the U.S. Secret Service and other federal agencies. County officials said costs for logistical support and other services were small enough that they were not tracked separately.

The county has spent on presidential security before. Former Vice Presidents Mike Pence and Cheney both visited the area in past years. Flathead County did not ask the federal government to pay those bills then, and it will not ask for money this time. Commission Chairman Brad Abell said the county has a duty to help protect a presidential visit. "It was also an honor for Flathead County to host a sitting President of the United States," Abell said.

Sheriff Brian Heino said his deputies worked with agencies from nearby cities and counties on the event. "Securing an event of this size requires an extraordinary team effort, and our Sheriff's Office personnel and partner agencies rose to the occasion with complete professionalism," Heino said. He also said his office's job is to provide maximum security when a high-profile leader comes to the valley.

The county has no further action scheduled on the spending. The $58,000 in overtime and support costs will be absorbed by the county budget.