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The deal hinged on the creation of an employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, a structure that would allow Tribune to avoid most federal income taxes.

The St. Louis County Police Association said Friday that it “shares many of the substantial concerns raised by ESOP.”

In a statement, Barton said department leaders have been in discussions with ESOP, the St. Louis County Police Association, and the police department’s diversity and inclusion staff.

In their case, Cimarron was bought by another ESOP, called Folience, which made the transaction quicker.

In an ESOP, shares of the firm are put in a trust, which works like a retirement plan for the workers.