As the Obama campaign gets ready to make a swing through Eau Claire, local law enforcement agencies are preparing as well.

But, Eau Claire’s Police Chief says his department doesn’t get reimbursed for the political security it provides.

"We try to limit the amount that we're gonna' spend on it, keep people on straight time, limit the amount of overtime,” said Sgt. Jerry Voight, with the Wisconsin State Patrol.

"We realize this is public money and we need to be frugal,” added Police Chief Jerry Matysik. "We use on-duty personnel whenever possible and try to keep costs to a minimum."

When Obama campaigned here in February, Chief Matysik says the Eau Claire Police Department spent about $3,500.

During the 2004 election season, the Chippewa Valley hosted a number of political heavy-hitters – from President Bush to Senator Kerry.

He says that year’s bill totaled $28,000 – an extra cost he says gets passed onto the taxpayers.

"Although it's nice to have candidates visit, I think some people find that exciting and interesting, it’s not without cost,” he said.

Especially since Chief Matysik and Sgt. Voight say their departments don’t ever see a dime from the campaigns.

"Various communities, sheriff's departments, police departments in the past have tried to collect money that is spent on these,” Chief Matysik said. “It’s been turned down consistently."

"We don't typically put in for reimbursement,” added Sgt. Voight. “Again, that's the price of doing business."

Both Chief Matysik and Sgt. Voight say providing political security doesn’t distract their agencies from patrolling regular areas.

We called the Obama campaign to talk about the cost to local law enforcement agencies. A Wisconsin staffer tells us they don’t normally comment on security issues.