"I am concerned the mayor's recommendation fails to fully consider the dangers of leaving the DA's office grievously understaffed," Miller said. She said she didn't ask for too much. "The budget proposed by the DA's office represents the resources necessary to effectively prosecute the ever-increasing number of crimes being committed in our community. Anything short of those resources will greatly hinder the ability of the DA's office to hold criminals accountable."

It wasn't all bad for the district attorney: Miller did receive funding for a community prosecution pilot program. Corroon also gave the green-light for six new full-time employees to personally deliver subpoenas that Miller promises will result in decreased case dismissal rates.

And Corroon shot down Sheriff Jim Winder's proposal to re-open the Oxbow Jail. Winder wanted to open the shuttered jail to relieve overcrowding issues at the Salt Lake County Jail.

The mayor did, however, budget $610,000 to "modernize" the Oxbow Jail. The money will be used to bring the jail back to tip-top shape in case the county needs to open the jail in the near future.

"It's a big value to the county as a safety valve," Willmore said. "We want to make sure it's ready to open."

Winder said he was shocked that Corroon didn't include funding to open the Oxbow Jail.

"I'm a little chagrined it isn't occurring, or isn't at least right now," Winder said. However, Winder admitted that he is making headway in convincing county officials to open the jail.

The mayor did approve 22 new deputies to patrol across the county, including three in the Magna/Kearns precinct — the first such staffing increase in that precinct since 1987.

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E-mail: ldethman@desnews.com