If Salt Lake County leaders were looking for clear direction about how to replace an unpopular police fee, they didn't find it last month during a public outreach blitz.

Instead, they found an almost even split between those willing to swap the fee for a property-tax hike and those wanting to slash spending to spare taxpayers, according to comments submitted during a string of public hearings in suburbs stretching from Copperton to Emigration Canyon.

"Raising property tax seems like a win-win proposition," wrote Russ Olsen, of Copperton, "in comparison to reducing services or continuing the police fee."

"The county doesn't have a revenue problem, it has an expense problem," countered Tim Ryan, of Millcreek. "Plain and simple. It is time for the county to get off the candy and cut the budget to meet the current revenue, period. You can't afford it. Quit buying it."

The county plans to eliminate its controversial police fee this year, erasing nearly $12 million that has been paying for law enforcement in unincorporated areas. Homeowners there now pay $162 a year.

The Utah Legislature gave the county until Dec. 31, 2012, to do away with the fee, which was imposed less than two years ago to plug a multimillion-dollar shortfall. The county now must figure out how to balance its budget for unincorporated services without that money.

"I would like to see police officers laid off before an increase in taxes," David Mahaffey, of Emigration Canyon, told the officials.

"I am the odd duck," Greg Gaarsoe, of Kearns, wrote. "Raise my taxes!"

Although public sentiment was split on whether to raise taxes or cut spending — based on a review of 91 comments handed in during eight open-house meetings in June — about an equal number of commenters gave no specific solution. Instead, some dinged the county for not holding a town hall meeting, allowing people to air their grievances aloud. Others criticized the handling of the police fee as a "political mess." One person questioned whether officials planned to pay any attention to constituents.

A handful of nontraditional comments appeared, as well, from people with nontraditional solutions to the county's financial pickle: Charge "overly loud thumping, rumbling cars driven by criminal types" a fee for breaking the noise ordinance; require skiers, rock climbers and hikers to buy rescue insurance through the county; or pursue a state "head tax" that would place a heavier tax burden on larger families.

Although no clear message emerged on which way the county should head — at least from the written comments — Deputy Mayor Nichole Dunn said she wasn't disappointed. She considered the meetings largely constructive, saying they provided a forum to educate and connect with constituents.

"We have to create a partnership with our residents to make sure we are in agreement with how these really critical dollars are spent," she said. "They believe in the services we provide. They want those services provided. They just want to make sure we are doing it as cost effectively as possible."

Dunn doubts the county can cut deep enough into its ledger to avoid raising property taxes once the police fee expires.

"We have cut and cut," she said. "I'm not sure if there are substantial savings left at this point."

County Council Chairman Max Burdick has planned a briefing for July 19 to discuss the public hearings and alternatives to the fee. He prefers to see policing paid entirely out of property taxes, which he describes as stable and predictable.

The county did find at least one person who would rather keep the fee.

"I, for one, do not want to see the police fee terminated," Margie Parker, of Magna, wrote. "My safety is very, very important to me!!! I don't want to see higher taxes either. I want to pay directly to our law enforcement, ensuring they get all the money, not just a small portion."

jstettler@sltrib.com

Twitter: Stettler_Trib —

What people are saying

Once the police fee is gone, how should Salt Lake County prop up law enforcement in unincorporated areas? Here are excerpts from comments collected during a series of public hearings in June.

"Is there nowhere else you can cut spending that is less important than our police force? I believe there is." — Travis Thorsen, Magna

"It seems to me, adding this fee to the property tax is the most fair way to get the additional monies needed." — Judith Smith, Millcreek

"I am the odd duck. Raise my taxes! Thank you." — Greg Gaarsoe, Kearns

"I want my money back. Send check to ..." — Eric Lichtenberg, Magna.

"I, for one, do not want to see the police fee terminated. My safety is very, very important to me!!! I don't want to see higher taxes either. I want to pay directly to our law enforcement, ensuring they get all the money, not just a small portion." — Margie Parker, Magna

Source • Salt Lake County