Budget retreat: roads top residents' concerns as council weighs first tax increase since 2008
February 10, 2022, 4:35 p.m. · Fox Hollow Golf Course, 1400 N. 200 E.
At a two-day budget workshop at Fox Hollow Golf Course, the American Fork City Council heard that roads, growth and internet access top residents' concerns and that 47% would back a tax or fee increase for roads. Staff outlined $25 million for 200 South, over $50 million in facility needs and $12 million for irrigation metering. Councilmembers leaned toward a property tax increase, and fiber, a code rewrite and 200 South funding emerged as goals.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Capital outlook, critical needs and property tax | Discussed |
| FY2023 strategic goals | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item Feb 10 · Presentation
Community survey, goals and FY2022 status
Discussed
Camden Bird reported 1,476 survey responses: 90% rated quality of life good or excellent; top issues were poor roads, too much growth and internet access. 47% would support a fee or tax increase for roads (45% no). Updates: the 30-acre south-side park purchase was locked in; Fire Station 52 land bought and in design; Fire Station 53 land purchased; 36-inch water line segment 3 awarded; PI meter supplies ordered with a matching grant. Revenues were up 22.7% and sales tax 12.1%. $927,000 in PARC Tax is available for May awards.
Item Feb 11 · Budget
Capital outlook, critical needs and property tax
Discussed
Finance Director Anna Montoya listed future capital needs: $3.7 million for the infrastructure management plan, $25 million for 200 South, over $50 million for facilities, $12 million for PI metering and $2 million a year for vehicles. Critical timelines: police/courts building (court lease expires in September with a 5-year option), fitness center, public works expansion and a code rewrite (possibly six figures). Pegging the tax rate would add about $22/year per home; Shelton favored a .25% increase then pegging, Taylor .5%. The flyover at the Meadows was called critical.
- Budget$25.0 million
- Budget$12.0 million
Item Feb 11 · Other
FY2023 strategic goals
Discussed
Possible goals: fiber, property acquisition for parks and public works, a master plan for the 30-acre south-side purchase, an investment strategy, a downtown master plan with police/courts and offices, employee morale, communication, the code rewrite, 200 South funding and water recycling with TSSD.