Council gets overview of mayor's budget with property tax increase, plus Finance Department and Justice Court budgets
May 12, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
The council's May 12 work session covered the Administration's overview of the Mayor's recommended FY 2026-27 budget, including revenue projections and the proposed property tax increase, along with the Finance Department and Justice Court budgets and the property tax impact schedule. The council voted 6-0 to enter a closed meeting. Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez was absent.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Administration's overview and revenue update
Discussed
Chief Financial Officer Mary Beth Thompson and Deputy CFO Lisa Hunt presented the Mayor's recommended budget and revenue projections, including budget reductions, revenue assumptions, strategic investments and the proposed property tax increase. Members discussed general fund revenue and spending, sales and property tax trends, fund balance, short-term rental licensing and parking revenue, a possible transportation utility fee, and vacancy savings, position eliminations and efforts to rely less on one-time money. They also covered the proposed uses of the property tax increase (public safety, community services, infrastructure and capital projects), an agreement with the Utah Inland Port Authority to reimburse 13 proposed Police Department positions, and requirements of Truth in Taxation legislation. The separate revenue update was folded into this item.
- PaymentAmount not given to Utah Inland Port Authority
Item 3 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Council staff overview
No action
Moved to a future council meeting.
Item 4 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Finance Department
Discussed
Finance staff presented accomplishments, technology improvements, efficiencies and proposed budget reductions. Discussion covered long-term financial planning tools, the new Workday software for HR, payroll and financial operations, staffing changes from process improvements, investment advisor fee reporting and a new Property Tax Pass-Through Fund.
Item 6 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Sustainability Department and Refuse Fund
No action
Moved to a future council meeting.
Item 7 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Justice Court
Discussed
Presiding Judge Jojo Liu and Financial Manager Valeta Hitchcock presented the proposed Justice Court budget, including staffing and operating requests tied to rising criminal filings, hearings and workload. Members discussed coordination with the Prosecutor's Office and Legal Defenders Association and property tax-supported funding requests. Council Member Puy requested a follow-up briefing on Justice Court facility needs and efficiency.
Item 8 · Taxes and fees
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: property tax impact schedule
Discussed
Executive Director Jennifer Bruno reviewed the proposed property tax impact schedule and new state requirements for public notice and adoption of a property tax increase. Members discussed notice, hearing and adoption requirements. The schedule will be updated as budget deliberations continue, and all budget information is on the city's Budget Hub.
Item 11 · Other
Closed meeting motion
Approved · 6-0
The council voted to enter a closed meeting on the character or competence of an individual, collective bargaining, litigation strategy and attorney-client matters. The closed meeting ran from 4:07 to 5:12 p.m.
What residents said
Proposed property tax increaseJustice Court caseload