Sandy council budget hearing: police stress staffing and fleet needs; communications plan draws council pushback

Lede The Sandy City Council devoted the bulk of its May 13 meeting to department budget presentations, where police, fire, parks and administration leaders made competing cases for funding as the city faces tight revenue and staff cuts. Police and fire chiefs highlighted recruitment, retention and equipment needs; parks and recreation outlined program and capital costs tied to the Alta Canyon facility project; and administration officials proposed a mailed “Every Door Direct” newsletter that sharply divided the council.

Nut graf Chief of Police Mike Severson told the council his top budget priority is employee compensation and urged approval of a proposed 3% cost-of-living adjustment, saying competitive pay is essential to retain lateral officers and reduce lengthy training timelines for new hires. He also requested a one‑time fleet replacement of $740,000 to replace eight marked and three unmarked vehicles, three sergeant reclassifications, and an additional school crossing guard. Fire Chief David McConaughey and Parks Director Dan Medina outlined one‑time reimbursements, grant awards and ongoing capital needs, including a brush engine and continued lease payments for a tiller truck. Administration and communications staff asked the council to authorize a citywide mailed newsletter; that proposal — an estimated $136,771 increase in communications spending — prompted multiple council members to question priorities in a year when departments were asked to cut base budgets.

Most important details - Police: Chief Severson said employee…