Q & A
City Budgets
Ever wondered how the municipal budget process works? Follow this link to learn more.
Q: How can I learn more about West Haven's budgets?
A: Visit the West Haven City Financial Department page here. You'll find information on the city budget as well as department-specific breakdowns. If you'd like to discuss the budget, just let me know!
Q: How can cities accumulate money to pay for larger projects and purchases?
A: A Capital Project Fund is a recommended mechanism for cities to set aside funds to pay for large projects and/or purchases. You can learn more about how they work at this link. I'd be happy to go over the specifics of West Haven's fund with you.
Public Safety
West Haven City provides several types of public safety services to our residents, including protective inspection, school crossing guards, law enforcement, and animal control.
Q: Who provides law enforcement for West Haven? Why don't we have our own police force?
A: West Haven City contracts with Weber County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. For 2019-20, West Haven will pay $1,112,000 for these services. It is estimated that it would cost almost $1.6 million to run our own department. In addition, we would need to purchase vehicles and equipment as well as set up a building to house the department.
Law enforcement costs are a large part of our city's budget each year. I've taken every opportunity to study this issue and the options available. If you would like to share your ideas with me or have questions, please give me a call.
Q: That law enforcement contract costs a lot! How do we know what we're paying for?
A: Each quarter, the Sheriff holds a meeting for contract cities. The budget is discussed in detail and the amounts owing are allocated to the various cities using an adopted formula. I attend these quarterly meetings and would be happy to answer any questions you might have about them.
Each month, the WCSO publishes reports showing which services were provided in our city. I review those statistics every month. If you'd like to read the reports, they are available here. I also review the daily/weekly pass-along reports which paint a more complete picture of the law enforcement needs of our community.
Finally, I have accepted the invitation of Sheriff Arbon to go out with his personnel in our city and observe the services they provide to our residents. It was time well spent, and I'd be happy to discuss the experience with you.
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Q: What can residents do to help keep our city safe?
A: Tips for preventing some common crimes are found here. Sheriff Arbon has initiated a volunteer community patrol (V.I.P.S.) program. Interested residents are encouraged to learn more here. If you'd like more information, please contact me.
Planning & Zoning
Q: How do property rights relate to planning and zoning?
A: This video gives a great overview of the relationship between constitutionally-protected property rights and the ability of cities to guide the building of a community through the use of planning and zoning.
Do you have a question I haven't covered yet? Need more info? I'd love to chat with you! Please contact me.