Law enforcement and Sunday liquor sale proposals move forward in Rigby
UPDATE:
At the suggestion of Mayor Jason Richardson, the Rigby City Council has agreed to put the question of Sunday liquor sales to a vote of the people. The city council voted to put a non-binding, referendum issue on the November ballot. The council could then use the outcome of that vote to help set its official policy.
The Council also agreed to Richardson’s proposal to explore the possibility of contracting Rigby’s law enforcement service to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. An initial public hearing was scheduled October 1st at Harwood Elementary School.
The families of some Rigby police officers appeared before the council Thursday night to object to the idea.
In an interview Thursday, Mayor Jason Richardson said, “I really enjoy just how tight and quiet and tranquil we are. That being said, if there is a desire from the people that we want to change and allow liquor sales on Sunday , I think that’s an important thing for the council to know.”
The last time City Council met it decided to continue the ban on S unday liquor sales. However, it will revisit the topic tonight to decide if it’s in the best interest of the community to lift it.
Another topic addressed will be the mayor’s presentation to contract with the Sheriff’s Office rather than have city law enforcement. It’s important to know that this is not up for vote. This is only a presentation in an effort to gain a public hearing in two weeks. The proposed contract will save nearly $400,000 in tax revenue for the city.
“To me, the numbers make sense,” Richardson said. “The coverage is the same, we are getting the product that we want for half the price. So to me the hardest part about this really comes down to the families that are affected by this. This is not an easy or cavalier decision. But my loyalty and respect for these families cannot overshadow my responsibility to the people who pay the taxes.”
If the proposal is eventually implemented the sheriff’s office will provide four positions to those that were part of the Rigby Police Department.
Eight employees will be affected by this proposal.
