During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing issue of staffing shortages within the sheriff's department, highlighting the current 17 vacancies that are impacting law enforcement capabilities. The department is facing intense competition from neighboring cities, which are actively recruiting officers, leading to concerns about retention and recruitment.

To address these challenges, the sheriff's department is proposing a salary increase for deputies to remain competitive with other municipalities, particularly Ogden City. The goal is to maintain a workforce of 85 deputies, but this adjustment comes with significant financial implications. The estimated cost increase for Far West City is projected to exceed $200,000 annually, raising the total law enforcement budget from $662,000 to approximately $863,000.

Officials emphasized the necessity of these changes to ensure effective law enforcement and community safety, underscoring the importance of investing in personnel to combat the ongoing recruitment challenges faced by the department.