Council briefed on library, utilities and airport budgets for FY2023-24

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Item 1 · Other

   Administration updates: engagement, homelessness and spring runoff

   Discussed

   Staff covered engagement events, homelessness outreach data and spring runoff. The Public Utilities director said Geneva Rock donated enough sand to fill 48,000 sandbags, which would be staged centrally, and that the Jordan River and upstream pinch points were being monitored. Council Member Puy asked how sand was allocated and whether west side worst-case scenarios were considered; residents can request sandbags through Public Utilities and county websites.

2. Item 2 · Budget

   FY2023-24 proposed budget: Salt Lake City Public Library

   Discussed

   Library finance and interim director described a General Fund budget of $33,012,370, a Debt Service Fund of $987,450 and a Capital Project Fund of $6,255,400, with a roughly $5.8 million transfer to capital projects. Revenue increases include property tax ($475,000), interest ($365,000) and passports ($84,500). Safety and security incidents rose from 236 in 2021 to 427 in 2022, with 209 so far in 2023; the library plans a social service coordinator and safety staff. Capital projects include the Main Library roof and a Ballpark branch.

   • Budget$33.0 million to Salt Lake City Public Library General Fund proposed budget FY2023-24. Paid from Library Fund
   • Budget$987,450 to Salt Lake City Public Library Debt Service Fund proposed budget
   • Budget$6.26 million to Salt Lake City Public Library Capital Project Fund proposed budget

3. Item 3 · Budget

   FY2023-24 proposed budget: Department of Public Utilities

   Discussed

   Public Utilities presented a total proposed budget of $508,763,032 across water ($177,983,787), sewer ($301,787,622), stormwater ($22,947,474) and street lighting ($6,044,149), with 16 additional full-time employees. Officials cited aging infrastructure, inflation and drought, which they said cut water revenue by about $30 million. Council Member Puy suggested an education campaign on reducing water use and asked how many households and large employers a drought surcharge would affect and whether utility assistance would be affected. Council Member Valdemoros arrived during this item.

   • Budget$508.8 million to Department of Public Utilities Total proposed FY2023-24 budget. Paid from Water, sewer, stormwater and street lighting utility revenue

4. Item 4 · Budget

   FY2023-24 proposed budget: Department of Airports

   Discussed

   Airport officials presented passenger traffic, operating revenue, the income forecast, federal relief grants (CARES, ARPA and CRRSAA), airline and concession revenues, operating expenses, the capital equipment request and capital improvement projects.

5. Item 5 · Presentation

   Blueprint Jordan River progress

   Discussed · Jordan River Parkway

   The Jordan River Commission executive director presented progress on the 2022 refresh of the Blueprint Jordan River, covering recreation, environment and safety goals, including habitat, water quality, maintenance, access, safety and homelessness along the parkway.

6. Item 6 · Roads and utilities

   North Temple Economic Revitalization Action Plan grant

   Discussed · North Temple between I-15 and I-215

   Economic Development said the Wasatch Front Regional Council awarded a $170,000 grant, to be matched with $20,000 from the city, for a consultant-led economic needs assessment and strategy for North Temple between I-15 and I-215, aimed at mixed-use development with fresh food, health care and affordable housing. Two community events are planned for June and September 2023.

   • Grant$170,000 to Wasatch Front Regional Council Consultant-led North Temple economic revitalization plan. Paid from WFRC grant
   • Budget$20,000 City match for the North Temple plan. Paid from City

   Follow North Temple Economic Revitalization Action Plan in the development tracker →

What residents said

Drought surchargeLibrary safety incidentsSandbag supply