Trophy Club Considers Outsourcing Cops

Trophy Club residents are trying to save their men in blue, while the city is trying to save cash.

A Trophy Club council member has proposed outsourcing the town's police force to neighboring Roanoke to save money.

Councilman J.D. Stotts said the city will have to either raise taxes or cut government spending.

"By partnering with Roanoke for police services, our town would save over $600,000 per year -- about 10 percent of our current expense budget," he said.

But many residents aren't happy with the idea. Signs that say "Keep Trophy Club Men In Blue" are on the town's main road, as well as several other roads. Blue ribbons also surround trees and mail boxes.

Trophy Club Mayor Connie White said she supports looking into ways to reduce costs and expenses.

"The budget we were presented called for a 6-cent tax increase," White said.

"I'd rather pay the six cents than have our police department gone," said Nanette Hawkins.

Though no formal proposal has been created, residents have flooded the mayor's office with input. 

"There's not a reason to be concerned at this point," White said. "But I've also heard from people that they are very supportive of the fact that we are watching their money."

"I felt that if this town council wants to outsource our police department, then I believe we need to outsource our town council," said Tracy Hunter, who has lived in Trophy Club for 16 years.

Some residents have set up a Facebook page and a website opposing the outsourcing of their police force.

"Police are very strict about the speed limit, and we like that because we have young kids, and we want a safe community," said Trophy Club resident Dan Wilson.

White said the town won't move forward without first getting input from the public.

"Anything we would look at would have to provide the exact same level of service and community involvement," White said.

The Town Council will meet Monday to discuss whether they want to look into the idea.

Hundreds of residents plan on being there -- in blue -- to protest the idea.