Rigby Police try to cut costs to keep law enforcement under city control

The Rigby Police Department is responding to the mayor’s presentation to have it contract with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The department wants to stay independent.

Rigby Police Chief Keith Hammon said he understands the financial concerns the mayor has, so the department is looking at ways to cut costs.

“The mayor of Rigby has an obligation as our mayor, as any good mayor would do, to try to save money for their city,” he said. “We do 100 percent agree with that.”

The proposed contract will save nearly $400,000 in tax revenue for the city, but the department does have concerns.

Hammon said there’s a good chance some of the department’s current employees would be out of a job.

He said the desire to keep the Rigby Police Department separate is nothing against the sheriff’s office.

“That relationship is very strong and I’d like to keep it that way, but I’d also like to keep our police department as well,” he said.

If the proposal is eventually implemented, the sheriff’s office will provide four positions to those who were part of the Rigby Police Department.

The mayor presented this to the city council last week. This is not up for a vote; this is only a presentation in an effort to gain a public hearing in two weeks.