Council briefed on $1.83 billion FY2024 budget and plan to borrow up to $600 million for airport
May 9, 2023, 1:00 p.m.
The Council was briefed on the Mayor's recommended FY2023-24 budget of about $1.83 billion across all funds, up $239 million from FY2023, and on an airport revenue bond resolution authorizing up to $600 million, of which the airport plans to sell $450 million. It also heard the Metropolitan Water District budget, which proposes raising its property tax rate for Salt Lake City. The Council went into two closed sessions.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Administration updates and statement from Council Member Fowler | Discussed |
| FY2023-24 budget: Administration overview and revenue update | Discussed |
| FY2023-24 budget: Council staff overview | Discussed |
| Airport Revenue Bonds, Series 2023 (parameters resolution) | Discussed |
| FY2023-24 budget: Metropolitan Water District | Discussed |
| Budget Amendment No. 6 for FY2022-23 (follow-up) | Discussed |
| Closed session A | Approved · 6-0 |
| Closed session B | Approved · 5-0-1 |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Other
Administration updates and statement from Council Member Fowler
Discussed
Council Member Amy Fowler made a statement about her position on the Council and a recent incident that resulted in an arrest. Council Member Darin Mano made a statement in response during the chair's report; the minutes refer to an attachment for its text and do not summarize either statement. Staff also covered the first phase of the parks bond, community office hours and events, and winter overflow shelter use at 99.5% of capacity.
Item 2 · Budget
FY2023-24 budget: Administration overview and revenue update
Discussed
The Administration reported a recommended FY2024 budget total of $1,828,754,107 across all funds, compared with $1,589,733,704 adopted for FY2023, a $239,020,367 increase. The homelessness director described a five-year strategic plan, two Community and Neighborhoods requests for Advantage Services and ambassadors, a request to double the Fire Department CHAT team and camp tracking. Council Members asked for data on how many residents return to unsheltered camps.
- Budget$1828.8 million
Item 3 · Budget
FY2023-24 budget: Council staff overview
Discussed
Council staff reviewed takeaways including one-time versus recurring money, a structural deficit from growing expenses, Funding Our Future revenue, capital improvement recommendations, proposed fee increases for business licenses on residential rental and hotel/motel units, a meter bagging fee and a lane closure fee, and a request for two civil enforcement positions. Council Member Mano asked for an analysis of market value versus assessed value in neighborhoods.
Item 4 · Budget
Airport Revenue Bonds, Series 2023 (parameters resolution)
Discussed
The Council was briefed on a parameters resolution authorizing up to $600,000,000 in Series 2023 airport revenue bonds to finance capital improvements at Salt Lake City International Airport, including a supplemental indenture and bond purchase agreement. Airport staff said construction planning would finish in 2027, Phase 4 was complete with 94 active gates, bonds would close in August, and the airport plans to sell $450 million. A hearing was set for June 6, 2023.
- Bond$600.0 million
Item 6 · Budget
FY2023-24 budget: Metropolitan Water District
Discussed
District officials presented a budget that includes a 3% water sales increase to member cities and other entities and a proposed property tax rate for water in Salt Lake City of 0.00035, up from 0.00021, to offset an $11.7 million property tax revenue loss. Capital and agency costs would total $9,371,370, up $4,367,751, with a $111.6 million long-term impact. Council Members Puy and Petro asked what would happen if Sandy City and Salt Lake City did not agree on approving the projects.
- Budget$9.37 million to Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake & Sandy
Item 7 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 6 for FY2022-23 (follow-up)
Discussed
Staff followed up on natural gas cost increases, a request for ranked choice voting outreach funds and changes to seven funds.
Other
Closed session A
Approved · 6-0
The Council entered a closed session from 1:10 to 2:35 p.m. to discuss the character, professional competence or health of an individual and attorney-client matters. Council Member Puy was recorded absent for the motion to enter.
Other
Closed session B
Approved · 5-0-1
The Council entered a second closed session from 7:45 to 8:35 p.m. for the same purposes. Council Member Puy abstained and Council Member Fowler was absent; the minutes give no reason for the abstention.
What residents said
Winter overflow shelter capacityStructural budget deficitWater district property tax increase