1. The police department was eliminated based upon completely false, made-up data that indicated non-existent "savings." It was based upon the cost of a nineteen officer police department including a chief, a lieutenant, four detectives, and three sergeants, something the department has never had in its entire 50 year existence and does not need!. Youngtown has only a seven officer department. If next year's police budget had been based upon reality, it would have shown zero savings to be had from contracting with MCSO.

2. Only our police department is responsible for our town being a safe and quiet place in the crime-ridden West Valley next to El Mirage. Unlike most nearby communities, Youngtown was graffiti-free. Our officers were dedicated and proactive in their policing of the town. Instead of just waiting for calls, they patrolled the town watching for lawbreakers, drug dealers, and gang members. Our narcotics K9 team was lauded by the entire West Valley.

3. The contract with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) provides only a Youngtown "beat" in the West Valley. This means that one district deputy will be assigned to that beat, but is not required to remain within the boundaries of the town. With the short-staffing and budget constraints that MCSO currently has, the odds are that the deputy will only rarely be in our town unless called. No pro-active patrolling will take place.

4. This action by the council will adversely affect our and our childrens' safety, as well as our home values and the saleability of our homes. 

Therefore, we respectfully request that the Town Council of the Town of Youngtown, Arizona, immediately void the contract with MCSO and reinstate the Youngtown Police Department