Ad-Hoc Committee Updates The Town Council appointed several ad-hoc citizen committees this year to help guide policy decisions. Below is an update from each committee.
Police Services Focus Group The Police Services Focus Group met from February through March to provide feedback to Matrix Consulting Group on a study to review options for law enforcement delivery. They were tasked with reviewing three options for the delivery of these services that included: 1. Continue with Dallas County Sheriff’s Office 2. Contract with a neighboring municipality for services 3. Start a Town of Sunnyvale Police Department Once the committee began meeting, and the Consultant began working with partner agencies, it became clear that Dallas County was no longer willing to provide law enforcement services to the Town, and none of the neighboring jurisdictions wanted to provide service. Costs to receive the services from Dallas County have continued to rise dramatically over the past few years, and we have not yet received the expected rate information for the 19-20 Fiscal Year.
After reviewing the alternatives, the Committee unanimously recommended the Council pass a Resolution supporting the standing-up of a Police Department. The Council subsequently approved the Resolution. Matrix Consulting Group presented their study to the Council on June 10, and the Council directed the Town Manager to begin recruitment of a Chief to lead the transition.