Council adopts FY26 tentative budget with no tax increase and favors Mawhinney lot for senior center
May 1, 2025, 2:02 p.m.
The council unanimously adopted the FY26 tentative budget at a no-tax-increase rate with no cost-of-living raise, funded PC Tots at $27,250, and confirmed a consensus for a 7,000 square foot senior center on the Mawhinney lot. A consent agenda with a $101,906 deck replacement and invasive species contracts passed 4-1, and a PC Tots lease renewal passed 4-1.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item WS · Budget
FY26 tentative budget (work session)
Discussed
Budget totals: General Fund $72.2 million, operating $95.5 million, transportation $53.1 million, water $35.7 million, general capital $28.5 million. A detective sergeant ($240,000 recurring) and K9 unit ($204,000 recurring) were supported by all members. Sundance 2026 services of $314,567 one-time were kept in the budget, to be refined. The 2% fee on card transactions over $5,000 is under review. No vote.
- Budget$314,567
- Budget$240,000
- Budget$204,000
Item V · Contract
Consent: Bonanza Flat deck replacement and invasive species contracts
Approved · 4-1
Approved replacement of the collapsed Aspen Deck at Bonanza Flat by Big Horn Contractors LLC and four invasive species mitigation agreements totaling up to $200,000. Council Member Rubell voted no; the minutes do not state why.
- Contract$101,906 to Big Horn Contractors LLC
- Contract$70,000 to Ecology Bridge LLC
- Contract$50,000 to Optimo Landscaping and Snow Removal LLC
- Contract$50,000 to Utah State University Utah Conservation Corps
- Contract$30,000 to Greenleaf Enterprises
Item VI.1 · Budget
Nonprofit Services Advisory Committee funding for PC Tots and emergent needs
Approved · 5-0
The council approved funding PC Tots at $27,250 for FY25, FY26 and FY27, redirecting the rest of the proposed PC Tots money to emergent community needs, and returning in September to discuss the Upwards scholarship program. The minutes note this conflicts with a $15,000 FY25-only proposal the mover described; they do not clarify which applies. Three speakers urged funding for PC Tots.
- Grant$27,250 to PC Tots
Item VI.2 · Development
Senior center Mawhinney lot feasibility report
Discussed
Staff reported the four parcels are zoned HRM and need a conditional use permit; size is about 7,000 to 10,000 square feet on up to two levels; a 100-seat center needs 20 stalls; groundwater contamination was found at about 9 feet and soil within the Soil Ordinance Boundary. Cost benchmarks were $100,000 a stall below grade and $50,000 above. The mayor said council consensus favors the Mawhinney lot with a conceptual site plan, and the council confirmed a 7,000 square foot consensus. Council Member Dickey preferred Woodside; Council Member Rubell wants county contributions beyond furnishings. Eight speakers included seniors board members favoring Mawhinney and neighbors who oppose losing Old Town green space.
Item VI.3 · Roads and utilities
UDOT SR-224 bus rapid transit update
Discussed
Council Members said all members support BRT; Rubell said road widening has been a concern since 2022. The city manager and mayor will ask the UDOT executive director for a stronger UDOT leadership role; the mayor said UDOT does not plan to request a scope change from the FTA. No vote.
Item VII.1 · Budget
FY26 tentative budget and property tax rate (Ordinance 2025-06)
Approved · 5-0
The council adopted the tentative budget at a no-tax-increase rate and set the final hearing for June 12. HR recommended a 2% to 2.5% cost of living increase costing $740,000 to $920,000 from the General Fund; none is included, and the city manager said projections are conservative and council could revisit it.
Item VII.2 · Subdivision
Right-of-way vacation in City Park subdivision (Ordinance 2025-07)
Approved · 5-0
The council vacated 21,775 square feet of Eastern Avenue within Lot 1 and 4,631 square feet of Calhoun/13th Street within Lot 2 of the City Park subdivision, which the city keeps owning.
Item VII.3 · Contract
PC Tots lease renewal with courtyard amendment
Approved · 4-1
The council approved a five-year renewal followed by a three-year renewal with exclusive use of the childcare courtyard at the library and a yearly staff report. Council Member Parigian voted no; the minutes do not state why.
What residents said
Senior center parking and Old Town green spaceEmployee cost of living raises
Three speakers on PC Tots funding; eight on the senior center site.