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(KSL News/AP) -- The Salt Lake City Council has proposed new fees for police officers who take their patrol cars home.
Currently, officers living 35 miles or less from the city pay 35 dollars every paycheck to take their squad cars home. But last night, the City Council proposed increasing that fee to 82 dollars. The council would, however, lower the fee for those living closer to the city.
Officers must live within 35 miles of the Interstate 80 and Redwood Road intersection to take their cars home each night. Those who live father away have five years to find other transportation or move closer to the city.
Council members say basically about half of the city's officers would pay less than they do now -- and about half would pay more.
Dave Eglund is over mobile watch in his neighborhood. Under the Salt Lake City Council plan, officers in his neighborhood would be able to take home their cars. He thinks the sight of a police car parked in a neighborhood is a big crime deterrent.
Dave Eglund: "No matter where you see, whether it's a sheriff, whether it's Murray Police, ya know Salt Lake Police, any time that there is a marked vehicle on a street it sends a great message."
But the Police Union says it sends another message. It claims the city is refusing to negotiate, something the union says should be part of their contract.
The City Council is expected to vote on the proposed plan next week.
