Hyrum considers changes in prosecution services

By Emma Tippetts

March 4, 2005 | HYRUM -- The City Council last night discussed a possible contract with Cache County for new prosecution services, and the acceptance of an annexation petition.

Mayor Gordon M. Olson said they have been reviewing the prosecution service and have had some backlogs and various concerns with the relationship between the prosecution and the law enforcement. He said he has received complaints from the law enforcement personnel on this issue.

Olson said they are not making any final decisions but are exploring the possibilities of hiring county attorneys for a flat fee on a trial basis. A contract with the county will be drafted for review so a final decision will be made at a later date.

Working on this new arrangement may help to save money in the city budget as well. So far this fiscal year, which ends on June 30, Hyrum city has spent 27 percent of the 29 percent allotted for legal fees. The city is currently in a contract with the current prosecution pending on a 60-day termination policy.

Olson also mentioned moving the city from a Justice Court to 1st District Court. He said that is not expected, but the possibility will be explored.

The council also discussed the acceptance of an annexation petition set forth from a citizen. The council previously has said they will not approve any annexations until the master plan is finished and the sewer plant is built and functional. Councilman Tom Labau said these two tasks will not be completed until fall. Citizens have been asking to submit annexation petitions in the meantime.

The council discussed granting the acceptance of a petition from one particular citizen. Mayor Olson said he feels an obligation to accept the petition because "we sent him in that direction.

"We have may have painted ourselves into a little corner," Olson said, "It's unfair to say we won't consider it."

Labau said annexing involved two separate issues, the annexation into the city and the development plan.

"Just because you accept [this petition] doesn't mean you have to accept the next one," Olson said.

Labau added that accepting a petition is not accepting the annexation. Labau moved to contact the citizen and ask him to submit a petition, understanding it was not an approved annexation, but an acceptance of the petition. The council vote was unanimous and the motion was passed.

In other business the council:

-- Approved funding of one dollar per household for the mosquito abatement district, totaling in $2,100.

-- Approved minor changes in grammar and working of Title 16 in the municipal code.

-- Reviewed the budget report.

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