Layton residents won't have to worry about Davis County fencing off the roughly 20 acres they consider a "park" -- at least for a few months.

The county had signed a nearly $80,000 contract with Custom Fence Company to enclose the periphery of the Mutton Hollow regional detention basin, but commissioners voted Tuesday to relocate the work.

For almost the same amount, the county instead authorized a fence along a drainage canal on the Syracuse-West Point border.

The neighbors near Mutton Hollow said they hope to work with Layton City and Davis County officials to make the largely dry land open space.

"I think what we got here today was the breathing space to explore this," said resident Josh Bixby.

Two weeks ago, residents filled commission chambers to oppose plans to build the fence. That area, they said, is used by Scout troops, families and children.

But the county has to worry about its liability if someone is hurt while on the property, said Public Works Director Kirk Schmalz.

mariav@sltrib.com