In a notable fiscal adjustment for the Town of Fountain Hills, the cost to contract the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for law enforcement services is set to significantly drop in the coming fiscal year. The new contract cost will see a decrease of $373,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 without compromising staff or the level of service provided.
"I am pleased to announce that the MCSO contract for Fountain Hills residents will go down roughly 6%!” Mayor Gerry M. Friedel expressed this in a statement obtained by Fountain Hills' official website. After engaging in dialogue with recently sworn-in Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, their discussion has evidently led to effectively reducing the financial burden on the town while preserving public safety standards. “This is a win for our entire community," the Mayor added, citing appreciation for the dedicated MCSO staff.
According to the Fountain Hills announcement, the savings derived from the revised contract are primarily administrative, mostly stemming from decreased MCSO employee benefit costs. This allows for more versatility in the town's budget, providing room to allocate funds to other necessary projects and services.
"Fountain Hills is a tremendous community and MCSO is a huge part of making that happen,” said Town Manager Rachael Goodwin, acknowledging the integral role of the law enforcement agency in the town's well-being.
