There have been a number of assertions that establishing a municipal police and fire public service would save the town a substantial amount of money.

The facts indicate otherwise. In fact, Fountain Hills spends far less per capita on these services than our neighbors. The Fountain Hills MCSO police charge for 2017-2018 was $161 per capita. The comparative cost per capita review for municipal (city-operated police) in the East Valley illustrates Scottsdale at $410, Mesa at $371, Chandler at $286, Tempe at $552, Gilbert at $218. Queen Creek, another city using MCSO, costs were at $144.

If we had municipal police instead of MCSO, based on the average municipals cost, our annual police expenditures would be double what we spend now. In comparison the MCSO services are a bargain. They also offer at no added cost specialized equipment and police services such as temporary use of aviation units, tactical teams, bomb squad, posse, etc.

Creating a municipal agency is difficult; it is expensive both in startup as well as operating costs. Additionally, a police department carries a huge liability exposure for a community. Finding and retaining quality officers is challenging. Maintaining appropriate training, equipment and vehicles creates a whole new series of management issues that, under a contract, the town is not required to address.

The Rural Metro fire and medical emergency in lieu of a town-operated department has many of the same administrative and cost advantages that MCSO offers. Many neighboring communities use Metro fire and medical emergency. Our fire costs at $162 per capita are below the average East Valley costs of $166.

Our council and staff made wise decisions continuing to contract these services. Vote yes for a primary property tax and stay the course of least expense for best services.