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Mayfield weighs paid patrols, cameras and traffic calming after complaints of speeding
Summary
Council discussed a Gunnison‑area proposal for contracted patrols priced at about $35,000 a year (roughly $10.61 per household) to increase enforcement; members and residents debated the cost, alternatives such as radar feedback signs, photo enforcement and speed dips, and tabled a final decision pending further study.
At the June 11 meeting Mayfield council members discussed options to address recurring complaints about speeding, ATVs, motorcycles and noisy vehicles.
The mayor outlined a proposal the town had received from nearby law enforcement for contracted services: a patrol arrangement with a minimum scheduled proactive presence (one hour per day) and 24/7 on‑call coverage, priced at roughly $35,000 annually. "If they would charge us that $35,000 a year... it would be $10.61 a month per house," the mayor said to frame the cost per household.
Council and residents questioned the efficacy of one hour per day and explored lower‑cost or more targeted solutions that might produce measurable deterrence: radar speed‑feedback signs (which are already in place at some approaches), additional signage, photo enforcement where legally permitted, targeted weekend or peak‑hour patrols, deputization and physical traffic calming such as speed dips. Several residents cautioned against over‑policing and emphasized neighbor‑based norms; others argued that younger drivers and local residents regularly disregard speed limits and that enforcement is needed.
Members asked staff to further investigate options, including costs, legal jurisdiction (state vs. county vs. town roads), whether citations would be processed through Gunnison or another local justice court, and whether photo/enforcement programs are permitted in state practice. The council agreed to revisit the issue after more information was obtained.
What happens next: staff will research alternatives, jurisdictional questions and cost models and return recommendations to a future council meeting.
