Fairview council raises electric rates, about $15 more for the average home

The Fairview City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 29 to adopt Ordinance 2026-07, a new electric utility rate schedule, according to the meeting minutes. Power Department Superintendent Greg Sorensen told the council a rate study recommended an increase, that costs from the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) have risen about 25% for all member cities, and that power costs have climbed sharply over five to six years. At average use of about 880 kilowatt-hours per home, he said, the increase would be roughly $15 for the average customer, and Fairview's rates would remain among the lowest in the area. No one spoke at the public hearing, and the council discussed how to explain the increase to residents. ^[1]

The council also voted unanimously to keep the city's $54,406.16 UAMPS operating margin for the year in its member margin account, which the minutes describe as the city's practice and as working like a savings account. ^[1]

Another unanimous vote approved an interlocal agreement with Sanpete County for building inspections. Mayor Pro Tem Mike MacKay said the county has done the city's plan reviews and code inspections under what was essentially a handshake arrangement from around 1989 or 1990. Under the new agreement, an applicant first gets a zoning permit from the city confirming the structure fits the zone and setbacks, then takes it to the county for a building permit. ^[1]

Water and Sewer Superintendent Justin Jackson presented a draft water conservation plan, and MacKay asked how Level 2 restrictions are triggered and how they differ from Level 3. Library news included a $3,000 state reimbursement grant. The council reviewed this summer's 24th of July celebration, with discussion of adding activities for pre-teens and teenagers and raising Friday rodeo tickets to $15 to fund a live band for the dirt dance. Mayor Brad Welch was absent and MacKay conducted the meeting, which adjourned at 9:18 p.m. ^[1]