Council sets June 2 hearing on $328 million tentative budget; Fire, Police and Public Services budgets reviewed
May 19, 2026, 6:00 p.m. · Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 2549 Washington Boulevard
The Ogden City Council voted to set a June 2 public hearing on Ordinance 2026-8, the tentative fiscal 2027 budget, which staff said is up about 3.84 percent with no property tax rate increase. The mayor said his administration will hold the operator of a federal hold facility accountable to its permit conditions based on data residents presented. At the work session, Fire, Police and Public Services presented their budgets.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Budget
Ordinance 2026-8: tentative Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget (set public hearing)
Pending · 7-0
Council Executive Director Glenn Symes said the proposal is up just over $11 million, or 3.84 percent, with no property tax increase (the city would adopt the certified rate), $2 million in unused wage funds used for the third year, 10 positions cut and seven added for 698 full-time employees, a 2.18 percent cost-of-living adjustment, merit raises of up to 4 percent and a capital plan of about $37.8 million for 37 projects ($4.1 million from Business Depot Ogden lease revenue). Council Member Myers asked why the cost-of-living figure is below national projections of 2.9 to 3.15 percent; Symes said compensation would be discussed in a later work session. Tonight's action only sets the hearing for June 2, 2026 at 6 p.m.; final action is scheduled for June 16. A budget open house is set for May 26.
- Budget$37.8 million
- Net personnel change: -3 positions
Presentation
Visit Ogden: World Men's Curling Championship report
Discussed
Visit Ogden and Weber County Culture Parks and Recreation reported on the March 27 to April 4 championship at the Ogden Ice Sheet: just under 10,000 tickets sold, over 1,700 room nights, about $11,000 expected back to each major partner and an estimated $1.7 million in economic impact.
- Budget$1.70 million
Other
Closed session
No action · 7-0
The Council voted to move into closed session under the Open and Public Meetings Act from 7:25 to 8:32 p.m. The roll call in the minutes lists names that are not Ogden council members (Blair and Choberka) alongside the seven members, and records no opposition.
Other
Public comment and mayor's response: federal hold facility permit and Wildcat Square
Discussed
Several residents said federal data indicates overnight stays that may violate the facility's conditional use permit and urged reevaluation or revocation. Mayor Nadolski said the administration analyzed the same dataset, reached similar though not identical conclusions, found possible data entry errors that do not excuse the data, and directed the police chief to put ICE on notice to account for discrepancies. Other speakers asked about the benefit to Ogden of student housing at Weber State and about tax incentives. David Sawyer said last week's action only authorized a study of a possible redevelopment area, with a 'but for' analysis and a return to the Council before any further step. Chair Hyer and Council Member Richey said the land generates no tax now and increment financing would forgo only new value created by a project.
Budget
Fire/Medical, Police and Public Services budgets (work session)
Discussed
Fire Chief Mike Slater said the department seeks no new general fund money beyond merit increases, citing the Code Services reorganization, over $900,000 in grants, and about $8 million saved over five years toward a public safety training tower. Police Chief Jacob Sube reported a 14 percent drop in Part 1 crimes, 155 officers on average and a request to formalize five sworn positions (150 to 155). Public Services Executive Director Justin Anderson proposed moving the small recreation enterprise fund into the general fund (about $55,000 net revenue gain), shifting about $280,000 in administrative costs to enterprise funds, and reviewed projects including the Ogden Canyon waterline, Lester Park (about $1.9 million secured, $1.25 million requested), the 25th Street Jefferson to Harrison project with a 6.67 percent city match, a $1.3 million surf wave grant project, and a new transfer station agreement with Republic Services as the county reworks its site. Staff said the 1100 North and Monroe roundabout would need about four homes, so a General Plan change to a signal will be pursued.
- ContractAmount not given to Republic Services
- Budget$1.90 million
- Load fees expected to rise to at least $15 for standard pickup trucks
Roads and utilities
Council comments: paid parking signage and rollout
Discussed
Council Member Washington said signs on 25th Street appear only about every seven stalls and may be too few. Management Services Director Lisa Stout said QR codes will not be used because of sticker fraud, text-to-pay will link to the app, and signage was delayed pending negotiations with a nearby hotel. EV stations at the Municipal Building will be charged; those at Marshall White Center will not. ADA placard exemptions apply only in designated ADA stalls.
What residents said
Federal hold facility permit complianceWildcat Square tax incentivesCity debt transparencyPaid parking signage
Emily Fox raised overlap between local arrests and immigration enforcement. Kim Haslam, Thor Dorosh and David Belnap urged action on the federal hold facility's permit. Laura Lewis and Linda Sanchez asked about the benefit and tax incentives of Wildcat Square; Heath Satow supported it. James Dixon spoke on religious and political themes. One speaker asked for a financial summary at each meeting.