Provo's utilities will send $17.2 million to the general fund this year
The fiscal 2027 budget keeps a transfer equal to 12.5% of utility revenue, which the city says makes up about 18% of general fund revenue. Power, water and some sewer rates rise this year.
Continuing story: Auditing Provo
Provo's fiscal 2027 budget moves $17.19 million from five city-owned utilities into the general fund. [1]
The budget says it keeps a 12.5% transfer of utility fund revenue to the general fund and that these transfers make up about 18% of general fund revenue. [1]
By utility
The energy fund sends the most, $9.88 million. Wastewater sends $3.25 million, water $2.41 million, sanitation $890,625 and storm drain $767,500. [1]
In fiscal 2021, the same five transfers totaled $12.97 million, the city's fiscal 2024 budget shows. [2]
The budget describes the transfer as a dividend to Provo taxpayers for their investment in the utility systems and says it helps keep property taxes low. [1]
Rates this year
The fiscal 2027 budget raises power rates 4% for small commercial customers, 7% for large commercial customers and 10% for industrial customers, and assumes a 6% water rate increase. [1]
The city's budget announcement says water, energy and recreation rates and fees were updated to keep pace with inflation, operating costs and infrastructure needs. [3]
The budget's 10-year general fund projection assumes utility transfers grow each year, reaching $14.74 million from the energy fund alone in 2036. [1]
Sources
- Provo City · FY2027 adopted budget
- Provo City · FY2024 adopted budget
- Provo City · Provo City Adopts Fiscal Year 2027 Budget (June 25, 2026)
Reporting by The Utah Ledger from the public records above. AI-assisted, checked against those records.