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Washington Terrace hears sheriff’s pitch for 10 more deputies as contract costs rise
Summary
Weber County Sheriff’s Office presented a draft 2026 contract showing about a 4% increase largely driven by wages; city staff signaled possible Truth in Taxation action to cover higher costs and discussed phasing hires to soften resident impact.
Weber County’s sheriff’s office told Washington Terrace City Council on March 3 that the contract for police services is expected to rise roughly 4%, driven mainly by wage increases and a push to add 10 full-time deputies.
Lt. Sean Endsley presented the draft 2026 contract, saying the existing cost formula — 60% based on calls for service and 40% on population — remains in place but that population and demand have increased without matching staffing. Endsley said the additional positions would raise the department’s staffing to about 0.72 deputies per 5,000 residents from the current 0.57 level.
Sheriff Arbon and Chief Josh Gard said retention and competitive pay are central to restoring specialty units and ensuring timely backup. Arbon said the county’s staffing fell as low as 72 officers in recent years and that pay and workload were key drivers of turnover; he reported improvements in recruiting and some lateral moves from other agencies.
City Manager Tom Hanson and Finance Director Shari’ Garrett said the projected spike will be difficult for local taxpayers. Hanson told the council he anticipates the city may need to invoke Truth in Taxation to cover recurring wage increases and suggested staggering hires over multiple years to smooth the budget impact.
Council members asked for clearer information on what services additional deputies would deliver so they could explain trade-offs to residents. Mayor Mark C. Allen asked the sheriff’s office to provide a list of services and the expected impact of the additional positions. Sheriff Arbon suggested the city host an open house with the sheriff’s office to brief residents on staffing needs and service priorities.
The council did not take formal action on the contract during the March 3 meeting; Hanson said staff will return with the item on a future agenda.
