Council previews fee changes, backs early PARC tax renewal vote, weighs uses for $3.7 million in federal aid
May 4, 2021, 4:05 p.m. · American Fork City Hall, 31 N. Church St.
In a work session, the American Fork City Council reviewed proposed fee changes including a 4% garbage increase, higher holiday burial fees and an end to library overdue fines. Council members agreed to pursue a 2021 ballot vote to renew the PARC tax before it lapses in 2023 and discussed spending an expected $3.7 million in American Rescue Plan money, leaning toward water metering or broadband.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Fiscal 2022 fee schedule changes | Discussed |
| Renewal of the PARC tax | Discussed |
| American Rescue Plan Act funds | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Taxes and fees
Fiscal 2022 fee schedule changes
Discussed
Finance Officer Anna Montoya previewed fee changes: $500 rental plus $400 refundable deposit for Old City Hall and the Senior Center; a $50 special event and film permit fee; holiday burials at $1,500 versus $600 weekdays and $850 Saturdays; a $100 fire scrap permit; ending library overdue fines; a 3% credit card fee on large development and impact fee payments; a $400 expedited plan review; $100 construction water; $180 an hour for the public works director's time; replacing the $150 utility deposit with a $30 processing fee; a 4% garbage fee increase to cover Republic Services contract increases; a $250 charge for using water without an account; and about 3% higher Fitness Center fees. The city pays about $200,000 a year in card processing fees, 70% from utility payments.
- ContractAmount not given to Republic Services
Item 2 · Taxes and fees
Renewal of the PARC tax
Discussed
Legal Counsel Cherylyn Egner said the 0.1% PARC sales tax approved by voters in 2014 for eight years lapses March 31, 2023; though state law now sets 10-year terms, staff recommended a vote in 2021 so a failed measure could be retried in 2022 without a gap. Councilmembers supported putting it on the ballot and asked staff to get the state's interpretation; Councilmember Shelton raised using PARC money for operating costs.
Item 3 · Budget
American Rescue Plan Act funds
Discussed
City Administrator David Bunker said American Fork expects about $3.7 million in federal ARPA money in two roughly $1.8 million installments, to be spent by about 2025, usable for lost revenue, worker premiums, small business grants and water, sewer, broadband and transportation infrastructure. Staff listed pressurized irrigation metering, water recycling, broadband, well generators, storm drains, 200 South and roads. Councilmembers Taylor and Barnes favored long-lasting water or broadband projects, Shelton roads or broadband; the consensus was to hold the money in a separate account and decide later. Bunker noted the city's $1.5 million Bureau of Reclamation matching grant for the first leg of PI metering, with the city's $1.5 million match already in the proposed budget.
- Grant$3.70 million to U.S. Treasury (American Rescue Plan Act)