City manager warns of sheriff-contract increase and possible transfer of officers to contract cities

During the March 17 work session, City Manager Tom Hanson told the council that the city's contract cost with the Weber County Sheriff’s Office will increase to $1.4 million to address recruitment, retention and additional staff needs.

Hanson said the county "is going to offload 9 individuals back to the contract cities" and that the change would make contract cities bear the cost of those employees without added services. "I have made it clear that the city cannot pay for the additional 9 officers," Hanson said, and he called for a meeting with county commissioners, the sheriff's office and contract cities to clarify the contract terms and cost implications.

Hanson said staff need final contract numbers in March to plan for budget impacts. Lt. Sean Endsley of the Weber County Sheriff’s Office said the proposed increase would keep staffing and service levels the same. Hanson warned that the current analysis was incomplete and that he would like the county and contract cities to meet to resolve outstanding questions before the council finalizes budget commitments.

No formal action was taken on the sheriff contract at the March 17 meeting; Hanson said staff and the mayor would attempt to set a meeting with county leadership to discuss the matter further.