KAYSVILLE -- The public debate in this Davis County town over tight quarters or a looser wallet has ended with a ballot-box decision to keep cops in their current home.
On Tuesday, Kaysville voters withheld their support for constructing a new, 20,000-square-foot police building.
On the ballot was the proposal to bond for up to $4.5 million to build the station at Main Street and 100 North, giving the department four times more room than it currently has.
The final vote was 56.9 percent against and 43.10 percent for the proposal.
The debate over the bond brought out detractors, supporters and those in between.
Officials with the Utah Taxpayers Association toured the Kaysville police station, offering after the tour a "neutral position" on the proposed city bond.
Opposition centered mainly around the size of the proposed bond issue and how the ballot proposal was worded.
At least three former Kaysville City Council members came out against the proposal during the campaign, and resident Margaret Brough joined them.
"I'm happy that it didn't pass," said Brough on Tuesday night. "Now it's time for the citizens of Kaysville to work with the city council to determine if there is a need for a new station and come up with a more rational and affordable plan."
The existing police station, built in 1986, was built to serve the city's then nine-member police staff, city officials noted.
Some city leaders believe the prudent thing is to quickly build a new station while construction costs and borrowing rates are at an all-time low.
"The need doesn't go away tonight," said Kaysville Councilman Jared R. Taylor. "There are other things that can be looked at, but they will have to be very carefully considered."
The department has grown to 20 officers, with three additional staff, and is estimated by city leaders to reach 42 officers when the city hits its projected build-out of 47,000.
Click here to see the Utah election results.
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