Holladay residents turn out to discuss police proposals

HOLLADAY — Residents of Holladay gathered in full force Thursday to express their views on two proposals before the City Council that would dictate how local police services operate.

Nearly 100 residents filled the council chamber and spilled into the hallway and overflow area. In a near-unanimous consensus, residents expressed a desire to adopt the Salt Lake County sheriff's proposal instead of contracting police services with neighboring Cottonwood Heights.

"Instead of focusing on branding and our image we need to focus on the important issues like economic growth," said resident Spencer Scott. "The reason our streets are so safe is because there aren't any businesses along the street to rob."

Cottonwood Heights police and Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore offered to provide service for Holladay starting at about $3.2 million per year, the amount currently paid to the sheriff's office. Holladay would get an assistant chief, plus the squad cars, guns and other assets obtained in the deal. Around $900,000 in start-up costs would be amortized over the first three years of the contract, according to the presentation.

However, sentiment from many residents echoed the saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

If Holladay chooses to continue with the sheriff's office, it would get detective, patrol, narcotics and emergency coverage, according to a presentation from Salt Lake County Sheriff's Capt. Chris Bertram. A report he submitted to the council touts 200-plus employees and dozens of patrol managers and dispatchers as benefits that come with contracting with the sheriff's office. In addition, Holladay would get 25 of its own full-time officers under the five-year contract.

"Our neighborhood wants the service and experience we have come to expect from the sheriff's office," said resident Paul Fetzer. "When it's your family, home or neighborhood that needs response, you want service you can trust."

Those in attendance were critical of the council for not making documents and proposals available for review and many demanded an "apples to apples" comparison of how the two agencies would stack up.

"This is typical of Holladay citizens; they participate," said Dennis Webb, Holladay mayor and council chairman. "It was lively and we saw almost unanimous support for the Unified Police Department."

Webb said the council will hold a work meeting in the near future to discuss the proposals and do more "fact finding" on issues raised during the public comment period. A decision is expected sometime in July. Residents asked for another opportunity for public comment before votes are cast by the council.

E-MAIL: cnorlen@desnews.com