With its own department, Cottonwood Heights would have more control of its funds, more disciplinary control of its officers, more say over local programs such as ticketing and more say in which cases are most important, Cullimore said.

Taylorsville Mayor Russ Wall said his city's decision to create its own department in 2005 has proved to be a good decision. City residents took awhile to adjust, but are now largely in favor of the switch, he said.

Draper Mayor Darell Smith, whose city created its own police force in 2004, agrees.

"We really enjoy having our own police department," he said. "Overall I think we made the right choice. I think we saved money."

Winder said he believes Draper has not saved money and has simply become accustomed to a lower level of public safety than it had when it contracted with the Sheriff's Office.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Cottonwood Heights City Council Chamber at 1265 East Fort Union Blvd., Suite 300. For more information or to read feasibility reports commissioned by the city, visit cottonwoodheights.utah.gov.

Current services vs. proposed services

Current service
18 patrol officers
5 detectives

14 crossing guards
2 school resource officers
4 captains, supervisors
Cost: $3.6 million Fiscal Year 2008, $3.7 million Fiscal Year 2009

Service under proposed CHPD
19 patrol officers
7 detectives
14 crossing guards
1 chief, 1 lieutenant, 4 sergeants
6 civilian employees
Cost: About $4.2 million annually plus start-up costs between $1.6 million and $2.6 million

Source: Feasibility study conducted by Bonneville Research in December 2007

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E-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com