Fountain Green council votes to contract with North Valley Police Department starting July 1

The Fountain Green City Council voted unanimously May 12 to end policing services with the Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office effective June 30, 2026, and enter a 12‑month interlocal service agreement with North Valley Police Department (NVPD) beginning July 1, 2026.

Chief Steve Gray presented the proposed agreement and told the council that Fountain Green would sign a separate interlocal service agreement (not the founding NVPD document) and that NVPD carries required insurance and assumes liability and indemnification provisions contained in NVPD’s founding agreement. The council instructed staff to include explicit vehicle and equipment language in the contract and to set the initial term to 12 months with an option to renew for up to five years.

Vaughn Jacobson moved to terminate the county agreement and contract with NVPD, with amendments that referenced the Interlocal Agreement for Public Safety Services, acknowledged liability language in the founding document, added the vehicle/equipment clause, set a 12‑month term beginning July 1, and added a six‑month termination notice. Rich Walker seconded; the vote was Kerry Farnsworth — yes; Vaughn Jacobson — yes; Rich Walker — yes; Jacob Littlefield (via Zoom) — yes. The motion carried.

The council discussed staffing and minimum service hours; NVPD will assign one primary officer, with additional officers to cover shifts, and the agreement specifies a typical service level of about 56–70 hours per week (minimum 56 hours/week).

The council’s action is contingent on attorney review of contract language to resolve ambiguous phrasing before the agreement is finalized and executed. The council did not set a public transition schedule at the meeting; officials said NVPD could begin service immediately once contractual details are finalized.