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Show City needs caution when discussing metro $100,000 is a significant investment, particularly if it's made into something that has an unproven rate of return. Loca,l law enforcement and government officials are currently considering making the switch to a metro law enforcement system. The county-wide force would replace the Iron County Sheriffs Department, Cedar City Police Department and the Parowan City Police Department. Examining areas that have made a similar change shows that people living in outlying areas generaly tend to benefit from the transition. They usually receive better protection than what they had previously enjoyed. The same is not neccesarily true for people living in more concentrated population centers, though it could be. Our mayor and city council representatives are in the process of formulating a decision regarding metro which in the opinion of Mayor Jack Sawyers, "We could really benefit from." Could we? It was reported last week at the Council meeting that a change to the metro system would cost the City an additional $100,000 in the first year, and leave city residents with less protection than we now enjoy. True, the point was made that differences could be contracted for and equitable service given to all county residents. We certainly cer-tainly hope that this would be the case if the change is made. Hopefully Cedar City leaders will take a good close look at all aspects involved in a changeover, then make a decision that would best benefit those they represent, Cedar City residents. If the change will benefit all involved, that's great. We wholeheartedly approve. We encourage a thorough, thoughtful investigation of the issue by Cedar City officials before making that decision. |