Merlin Spendlove joined Hurricane’s City Council in July 2026, filling the vacancy left by Drew Ellerman. His earlier public service centered on fire protection. When the council recognized him in September 2025, Spendlove reported 34 years of full-time work with the fire district, beginning in 1991. Utah’s fire marshal website also documents his service on the state Fire Service Certification Council, identifying him as a Hurricane Fire and Rescue battalion chief. Hurricane lists his council term as ending in December 2027.
On Oct. 1, Hurricane's council approved a lease-purchase agreement financing 75 lithium golf carts for $846,300 at 4.95%, with payments from Nov. 1, 2026 to Nov. 1, 2032. The city manager said the current carts were failing sooner than planned.
AI-generated illustration: The Utah Ledger · Original graphic · The Utah Ledger
On Oct. 1, Hurricane's Municipal Building Authority authorized up to $27 million in lease revenue bonds for a new police station and city hall, raising the maximum interest rate to 6.5% from the 6% in the draft. A public hearing is set for Nov. 5; the final amount has not been set.
