Kearns approved a police traffic-car deal whose draft left the yearly amount blank

The Kearns City Council voted 5–0 on June 8, 2026, to approve Resolution R2026-14, an interlocal funding agreement with the Unified Police Department. The agenda item describes it as allocating '$125,000 plus additional funding for a traffic car to UPD.' ^[1]

City Attorney Nathan Bracken and UPD Chief Levi Hughes explained the agreement, which the minutes say covers funding for a traffic car and additional precinct costs. Council Member Patrick Schaeffer moved to approve it and Council Member Lyndsay Longtin seconded. ^[1]

During the public hearing, a resident asked about the $125,000. Bracken said the money was coming from a one-time payment from the Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Service Area, known as SLVLESA, and explained how SLVLESA collects money for law enforcement. ^[1]

Two drafts, one blank

The June 8 packet includes the resolution, unsigned, and two unsigned drafts of the agreement. ^[2]

In one draft, the city contributes a blank annual amount for the car and authorizes a $125,000 transfer to UPD from the SLVLESA fund balance. Unspent SLVLESA money at year-end is to be returned to that balance. ^[2]

In the other, the city contributes blank amounts for traffic costs in FY2026–27 and later years. UPD's invoice for additional precinct costs may not exceed $125,000, paid from SLVLESA funds, and the city 'may' direct UPD to return unspent money. ^[2]

Both drafts run three years, renew automatically each year and allow termination with at least 60 days' notice before a term ends. ^[2]

Other police money in the budget

The FY2027 budget includes $50,000 in Fund 55 for public safety with the note 'UPD for COLA and Cost Increases.' The same line shows $493,898 spent in fiscal 2025. ^[3]

The beer tax fund budgets $30,000 for 'UPD or My Kearns Coalition.' On June 8 the council also voted 5–0 to approve a funding agreement allocating the city's beer tax funds to the My Kearns Coalition. ^[4][1]