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Taylorsville • Every member of this city's Police Department, save two, signed a petition in support of contracting with the Unified Police Department for law enforcement services.

"The chief and assistant chief wanted to remain neutral — however, their support [to join UPD] is already on the record," Taylorsville Officer Shannon Bennett told the City Council on Wednesday.

Bennett heads up Taylorsville's Fraternal Order of Police. He and Sgt. Vaughn Allen presented the petition with 61 signatures — which includes all 55 sworn officers and other police employees — in hopes of getting the idea a fair hearing.

Earlier this month, council members voted 3-2 against scheduling a UPD presentation. Until 2005, Taylorsville contracted with Salt Lake County for police services. In 2005, the city launched its own force.

Mayor Russ Wall had floated the UPD suggestion as a way to avoid the tax increase he included in his 2012 tentative budget. Wall proposed a $25 to $50 bump in property tax to spur economic development and cover police vehicle and training needs.

Some council members have voiced concerns about the loss of local control by joining UPD, along with misgivings that such a move would actually be the money saver, which supporters claim.

Taylorsville currently teams with UPD for SWAT, forensics and major accidents, Bennett said. It also contracts with West Valley City for animal control services. That leaves patrol and investigations divisions for Taylorsville's force, Bennett said, which allows little or no room for advancement.

A year ago, Taylorsville officers submitted a similar petition but with fewer signatures.

"It didn't get any type of consideration," Allen said. "We just want them to look at this pragmatically."

Council Chairman Jerry Rechtenbach told Allen and Bennett that he would schedule time for a UPD presentation during the June 1 City Council meeting.

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What's next:

P Council Chairman Jerry Rechtenbach announced Wednesday that a UPD presentation will be scheduled for the June 1 City Council meeting that starts at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd.