News Release Date
02-17-2023
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For Immediate Release
February 17, 2023
Kearns Metro Township, UT. Due to overwhelming concerns from Kearns community members, Mayor Kelly Bush releases the following statement:
“My focus is and always has been, on the residents of Kearns and what is best for our community. Many of you have heard on the news that House Bill 374 passed through the committee yesterday at the Utah Legislature. This bill, if it is passed through the House and the Senate, would eliminate the Unified Police Department (UPD). The UPD currently provides law enforcement services to Kearns, and we will strive to work with UPD to reform its current model and services. We have expressed our opposition to this bill and will continue to fight this to the end. We are not out of the game on this one.
I have received overwhelming feedback and concern from our residents. We are exploring all options that will best serve the citizens of Kearns. There are many conversations taking place right now about public safety, service, and the cost for us as taxpayers. Kearns is not subsidized by cities or the county. The Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Service Area (SLVLESA) leverages property taxes that pay for our own services and HB 374 is based upon misinformation that we have worked vigorously to dispel.
The bill has not passed yet, but if it does, there is language that gives us two years to have new law enforcement service in place. The metro council wants to start the conversation now and explore with all of you what will fit the needs of our community. We will be looking at all available options. I am committed to keeping you involved in this process. Each person in Kearns needs to be part of the difficult discussions and decisions. As this moves forward, I will keep you informed on our next move. Thanks, everyone.”
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