Just weeks after agreeing in principle to offer the city $2.5 million for open space or a possible park, another $500,000 for canyon fire control and to refund $75,000 in election costs, cracks are showing in the county's plan.

"The mayor's office is pushing around the edges to change some of the elements," Councilman Mark Crockett said of the plan scheduled for a vote today.

It is unclear whether tweaks in the language - is the money a donation or grant? - could kill the deal.

Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore initially requested a $7 million refund from the county's municipal services fund. He called it "double taxation" because Cottonwood Heights residents paid into the fund before voting to become a city.

But Councilman Joe Hatch said Monday he objects to the way Cottonwood Heights "put a gun to our heads."

"I want the language spelled out because of the approach they've taken," Hatch said. "It's the old Ronald Reagan adage: Trust but verify."

In other matters, a $14 million fire-protection upgrade in Millcreek Township, near the area where Wasatch Junior High School burned Monday, appears to be rushing along.

Today, the County Council is expected to approve the creation of a special improvement district for the township's roughly 5,800 people, who must pay an average of $1,600 per parcel.

Antiquated 4-inch pipe will be replaced with 90,000 feet of 8-inch and 12-inch sections, along with 350 new hydrants to bring the area up to current fire code.

Despite some talk of a second public hearing - more than 100 people showed up to the first one late last month - Crockett explained that another hearing would start the whole process anew.

Councilman David Wilde says that is unnecessary.

"I have not heard anything that is new, or different or dramatic," he said.

- Derek P. Jensen