The Hooper City Council held a work meeting on September 18, 2025, focusing on various community issues, including public safety funding and intergovernmental collaboration.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the allocation of resources for public safety, particularly in relation to crime rates and population density. Council members expressed concerns that Hooper, despite having a higher population, experiences significantly lower crime rates compared to smaller cities. This disparity has led to a situation where Hooper is effectively subsidizing public safety costs for areas with higher crime rates and smaller populations.

One council member highlighted the need for a reevaluation of funding models, suggesting that the current system unfairly burdens Hooper residents. They proposed that the county should take on a larger share of public safety funding, as many believe that the county has not been contributing adequately to the sheriff's department. The discussion included a suggestion to push for an increase in funding from the county, aiming for a contribution of at least 5% more than currently provided.

The council also addressed the importance of regular meetings with county officials to discuss these funding issues and to ensure that the allocation of resources reflects the realities of crime and population in Hooper. The need for collaboration between the city and county was emphasized, with council members advocating for a more equitable distribution of public safety costs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges Hooper faces regarding public safety funding and the necessity for improved communication and cooperation with county officials. The council plans to continue these discussions in future meetings to seek a resolution that better serves the community's needs.