Magna council approves adding a UPD sergeant, asks staff to draft interlocal for funding

Magna City Council voted to approve converting an existing UPD detective allocation into a sergeant position and directed the mayor and staff to develop an interlocal agreement with the Unified Police Department (UPD) to set funding terms. The council did not fix a permanent funding source at the meeting, instead authorizing staff to negotiate how the position will be paid for and to include a time-limited clause.

"You'll see the funding amount there is a $56,940 difference annually," Chief Dale Craig told the council while outlining the staffing and cost tradeoffs. Craig said the option to reallocate an existing detective slot to a sergeant would cost less than hiring an entirely new, city-funded sergeant and that staff had identified potential short‑term sources, including one-time fund balance or the municipal energy sales tax (MET tax).

Council members repeatedly emphasized the need for clear documentation. A council member suggested using the interlocal cooperation act to set payment schedules and a sunset date; City Attorney Nathan Bracken agreed drafting a short interlocal and returning it for council approval was appropriate. Councilmember Merrill moved to approve the position and asked staff to prepare the interlocal; the motion passed unanimously.

Council and UPD leadership also discussed the broader Slavisa budget pressures, with one board representative warning the association was near its cap and urging conservative budgeting. The council directed staff to return with the interlocal language and a two-year revisit clause so the funding and allocation can be reassessed.