But while some disagreed on the best method to protect the city's 35,000 residents, most agreed on one thing: Their mayor and the county sheriff need to put personal emotions aside and make a decision that's best for everyone.

"Look at all the options," said resident Ted Neff. "Then, put your emotions, feelings, differences aside, and choose the service that will be best for the public safety at the most efficient cost."

Some residents in the packed council chambers were less civil, barking concerns over property taxes or urging their council to let voters decide the issue.

The hot debate is centered around whether Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder violated a written agreement with Cottonwood Heights when he unilaterally placed the city's police chief, Lt. Robby Russo, on leave and eventually transferred him to the Magna-Kearns precinct.

But that issue never came up Tuesday. Both Winder and Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore referred to the specific contractual clash only in general terms and spent more time sparring over contradictory interpretations of a feasibility study of Cottonwoods Heights creating its own police force.

The Sheriff's Office argued it can give better, broader and more affordable services. Cottonwood Heights officials countered the city could gain local control and begin interlocal agreements with other self-providing cities to pick up in places that sheriff's deputies leave off.

And after the two-hour public hearing, the two officials had very different outlooks on the city's future law enforcement.

Winder - he had felt that the City Council was closed-minded and had already made its decision - said it's now clear that issues over the existing contract can still be worked out.

"Tonight was the best sense that there's still a chance," Winder said, adding that he was encouraged that existing issues can be clarified and he can move forward with an agreement that will give Cottonwood Heights residents broader services than they would have if the city chooses to self-provide.

But Cullimore wasn't surprised at all by the meeting.

He said it would be hard to work out an agreement with the Sheriff's Office when it has overlooked existing written agreements.

"We've had a written agreement for two-and-a-half years, but they changed it unilaterally without discussions," Cullimore said. "Maybe I could be encouraged if [the sheriff] has something to propose."

But Councilman Don Antczak assured residents that they would get what's best for them.

"I still haven't made my mind," he said. "I'm not dissatisfied with the services we're getting now . . . this was brought about by contradictions in our contract. If those can be worked out - great. If not, we'll see what other options we have."