For years, Lindon has contracted with Pleasant Grove for public safety services. But the cities are growing and Lindon officials are considering going out on their own, which could mean cuts for Pleasant Grove.

"Lindon is growing and they have gone over the million-dollar mark for public safety," said Pleasant Grove's Mayor Michael W. Daniels of the neighboring city's expenses. "They want to make sure they're getting what they pay for."

The cities recently had a study done on the feasibility of creating a special service district for public safety, as an alternative to Lindon starting its own public safety department or continuing to contract with Pleasant Grove.

Results of the study, completed by Chris Hillman, showed it was not in Pleasant Grove's best interest to create a special service district.

"There's been quite a bit of interest in consolidating or going together," said Lindon Mayor Jeff Acerson.

According to Acerson, the special service district was to include a governing agency to determine growth and needs.

"After reviewing the study, we determined that there wouldn't be a dramatic increase in services or less cost to our citizens," said Pleasant Grove City Administrator Frank Mills.

Pleasant Grove Police Chief Tom Paul said his city has the resources and buildings, and to form a district, some of that would be given up to Lindon.

"If there is no police department between two cities, or if there are two departments, a district would be OK," Paul said. "But we have one department."

Daniels said changes for fire and EMT services would likely be included if there were any future changes with the police services. Fire Chief Marc Sanderson said there will be no changes for the fire department at this time.

According to Acerson, Lindon now has three options. "We'll continue to contract with Pleasant Grove or it may be time for us to move forward on our own. There is also the option of the county providing services," he said.

Daniels would like the cities to stick together, and so would Paul.

"I'd be OK if we continued for a few more years until economic development catches up," he said. "Lindon may need a few years to work toward their own departments."

Police officers have been concerned about possible layoffs, according to Paul. "If our budget is cut by one million, we could lay off 10 or 12 officers."

The current Lindon city police budget is $1 million.

According to Daniels, if Lindon decided to discontinue with Pleasant Grove, his city would ask that Lindon hire any people who would have to be let go by Pleasant Grove. Also, Pleasant Grove would ask that the change happen at the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1, 2008.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D1.