Councilman Friedel’s spokesperson concerning MCSO is apparently former Councilman Spelich –but facts matter. The Town retained “Matrix” in November 2021 to evaluate the MCSO contract for recommendations on law enforcement options; finalized in July 2022. The Town Council unanimously extended MCSO in May 2023; it unanimously passed the new contract in Oct 2023.
Fountain Hills’ per capita cost is $257/person, the lowest in the county except Carefree – also with MCSO. Finally, read the minutes of the Matrix Report, Spelich was in agreement.
Yet Friedel stated publicly that the town had none of the issues resolved. But:
*Language was added about staffing levels to credit the town for any position that remained vacant for 60 days or more.
*Fountain Hills received a $722,000 credit in the FY24 contract. The FY25 contract was reduced by more than 2%.
*Matrix said we needed fewer deputies (16). MCSO didn’t agree (19) – settled at 18.
*The town does not pay a Rio Verde deputy, but is housed at Fountain Hills station.
*Spelich agreed we didn’t need SRO’s at every school – stayed with one.
*Spelich wanted mediation/arbitration for future potential disagreements. The new IGA does.
*Spelich wanted MCSO to provide reports, MCSO agreed in principle.
*Fountain Hills is protected from liability.
*New resources were added for homelessness and other social needs that we as a town do not provide.
According to Matrix, “an in-house police department, given the safety, community profile, exceptional response time from MCSO … would have limited additional value … retaining MCSO is warranted.”
“Overall, Fountain Hills’ crime rate is one of the lowest in the nation, which makes it a great place to live if safety is an important concern.” NeighborhoodScout/SecurityGuage.
By the way, Councilman Friedel, don’t demean: MCSO leadership ARE the men and women of MCSO.
