MAPLETON — The public was adamant Tuesday night. Mapleton residents made it clear they prefer a city police force over a contract with the Utah County Sheriff's Department.
Residents delivered that message, along with a petition containing some 1,000 signatures, at a public hearing called by the City Council to gauge public sentiment towards Mayor Richard Young's proposal to contract for police services, a move that could provide significant savings for the city in the coming year. Residents told the council they prefer the personal touch Mapleton police have demonstrated. No one spoke in favor of Young's proposal.
"It's priceless — the rapport we have with our officers," resident Elizabeth Deters said.
The council voted to postpone the fate of the police department until Thursday at a special noon meeting, despite the objections of residents who said they couldn't attend because of work. Councilman Stuart Newton was absent.
City Administrator Keith Morey provided a report favorable to contracting with the sheriff's office, asserting the city would save at least $117,000 the first year. Preliminary figures have changed since the proposal was first announced Monday. The savings then totaled nearly $230,000. The sheriff's proposal would cost the city $394,169 the first year compared with a projected city police budget of $566,300 (including a $55,102 federal grant used to pay the part time officers) for the fiscal year that will start July 1.
The feelings against the proposal were so strong that at least one resident argued for recalling Young even though Utah law does not allow for recall elections.
Resident Melvin LaBaron, a former Brea, Calif. mayor, called Morey's report shameful and biased.
"You never spoke of the level of service. That's your job. This is a shameful report," he said.
LaBaron also criticized Young for a televised news report that quoted him allegedly saying, "we don't do polls here. I decide."
"That's the most arrogant thing I've ever heard," LaBaron said.
Residents said they wanted more say in the decision. The council doesn't need residents' permission to make most decisions, Roger Comstock conceded, but went on to say when it comes to eliminating the police force "abso—flippin'—lutely you need permission," he said.
Residents were told during the hearing that under a contract with the sheriff the city would get six deputies to replace the eight-man force now serving the city. The city would also lose three part—time positions.
Police Chief Bret Barney said he believes the level of coverage would drop 50 percent under the contract. Residents expressed concern that response times would decline.
Sheriff David Bateman said the county would provide more service than Mapleton now has including a canine unit, bomb disposal unit and crime lab.
"I anticipate a seamless transition. The only changes would be the vehicle colors and fresh uniforms and perhaps some fresh faces," Bateman said.
Springville officials have also expressed interest in bidding for the contract, but that offer was not discussed.
While Young initiated the idea to save money, he said the city is not in a budget crisis. "There could be a tax decrease if this is passed," he said. A first term mayor, the council raised taxes 70 percent during Young's first year in office.
Residents repeatedly urged the council to look at the entire budget to make cuts rather than eliminate the police force. They also took the council to task for hiring a city administrator who costs more than $50,000 annually.
"If we're big enough for a city administrator we better not be doing away with our police department," said Kris Fawson.
Residents also expressed dismay that Mapleton, one of Utah County's most affluent and rapidly growing communities, would consider eliminating the police force over financial considerations. "We're asked to drive a Honda rather than a BMW," said Jeanette Jackson.
You can reach Rodger L. Hardy by e-mail at rodger@desnews.com