Eagle Mountain has done an analysis of its policing services. This report was prepared by the Administration Department of Eagle Mountain and was last revised on January 28, 2019. The report was compiled using interviews from Police Chiefs and Supporting Staff from the Utah County Sherrif’s Office, Riverton City, Herriman City, Saratoga Springs, and Saint George police departments. It also contains information collected from 25 cities in Utah for comparison. They compared Eagle Mountains’ current policing service to Benchmarks as well as doing a Financial Analysis. This thirty-four-page report also includes all of the supporting documents used in the study. The study estimates that the cost of police services in Eagle Mountain could increase to $5,385,341 from the budgeted amount of 3,827,262 (with an increase in service) in 2021.
Executive Summary
An analysis of Eagle Mountain City’s police services provided by the Utah County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO). This analysis examines the costs and benefits of maintaining the contract with the UCSO in comparison to an independent police department. To ensure the comparison is as accurate as possible, multiple sources of information were used to evaluate what an independent police department would require including interviews with police chiefs of other police departments, and data collected from external and internal sources.
First, information was collected from 25 cities in Utah to compare to. It was found that the UCSO contract allows Eagle Mountain City to provide police services at a much lower cost than all other cities despite having fewer officers and growing calls for service. Financial evaluation of the existing contract and two options for establishing an independent police department revealed that an independent police department would be significantly more costly mostly due to the lost access to pooled employees.
Finally, other details about the costs of an independent police department are reviewed, and other influences on the decision making are discussed. Based on the costs and risks involved with an independent police department and no immediate signs of reduced quality of services from the UCSO, the analysis ultimately favors maintaining the contract with the UCSO with minor alterations in the contract language.
Some Key Findings
Eagle Mountain has the lowest cost per resident while having the highest residents per officer. It is the 3rd lowest in calls per population as well as the 6th lowest in calls for service. In relation to the 25 cities that were used for comparison.
Resident satisfaction with Police Services reached 72% in 2020 which is 4% lower than the high in 2018 of 77%. It is also 17% higher than the low of 55% in 2016.
A financial analysis was also done. There were three scenarios compared to see what the cost would be for the fiscal year 2028. The costs were $4,651,695 to $5,385,341.
The report also contains a traffic citation report broken out by area.
A year to year total call report was also included.
Recommendation
Establishing an independent police department would be costly, potentially significantly modify taxation, and could take several months to complete. But establishing an independent police department may also be a necessity that Eagle Mountain City should preemptively prepare for and could resolve some standing issues. For example, the UCSO cannot currently enforce City Code. As mentioned earlier, there are also options to allow for building reserves of funds to be used for facility construction or other major capital costs. Utah County may create conditions wherein Eagle Mountain City is forced to establish an independent police department and if the City is unprepared, greater costs could be incurred by taking the easiest path by necessity instead of the most beneficial.
It is my recommendation that Eagle Mountain City maintain its contract with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office. Financially, Eagle Mountain City has no room in its general fund to absorb the necessary increase in costs for an independent police department, even with a separate taxing authority. Revenues are not presently strong enough to cover enough of the costs of the police department. Growth of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office contract does grow at a rate that is sufficient for Eagle Mountain City and projects adequate staffing growth for the foreseeable future. However, by maintaining the UCSO contract, some risk is assumed. No funding is collected for future facilities, and the possibility of a cost increase from Utah County could affect the benefits of staying with UCSO for police services.
By separating from the UCSO, the department would lose its ability to call upon County resources as needed. The value of this benefit is difficult to ignore and a major factor in keeping costs unattainably lower compared to an independent police department.
Conclusion
Eagle Mountain City is charged with providing adequate police services to its residents. Through the contract with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, residents have been protected and supported by excellent officers who are greatly appreciated. In years past, Eagle Mountain City could not conceivably establish its own independent police department, largely due to the certainty of increased costs. Now, the City is fortunate to have options, and examples to learn from to continue to provide excellent police services for residents, regardless of the method selected.
Complete Report
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.
After I asked I was told by a high level city official that EM is preparing to start its own PD in the next 2 years. I asked the County and they did not say this. Is this official as of yet?