Cameron Paul sworn in as police chief; council outlines fiber solicitation
March 22, 2022, 4:03 p.m. · American Fork City Hall, 31 N. Church St.
American Fork swore in Cameron Paul as police chief. In the work session that followed, the council endorsed an 'intent to negotiate' solicitation for a publicly owned citywide fiber network, heard options for the city's first property tax increase since 2008, and reviewed water and sewer budgets dominated by pressurized irrigation metering.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Swearing in of Police Chief Cameron Paul | Approved · 5-0 |
| Intent to negotiate for citywide broadband fiber | Discussed |
| Certified tax rate options | Discussed |
| FY2023 water and sewer funds | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item SS1 · Public safety
Swearing in of Police Chief Cameron Paul
Approved · 5-0
City Recorder Terilyn Lurker swore in Cameron Paul as police chief.
Item WS1 · Roads and utilities
Intent to negotiate for citywide broadband fiber
Discussed
City Administrator David Bunker proposed an 'intent to negotiate' solicitation, modeled on Heber City, for a citywide, open-access fiber network that stays publicly owned. Proposals would be due May 3; staff would rank them, top bidders would present to the council, then term sheets and an agreement. Bonding would be part of the process. Carroll said she would not commit until she saw the bids; Shelton suggested outside fiber experts help review.
Item WS2 · Budget
Certified tax rate options
Discussed
Finance Director Anna Montoya presented three options: the certified rate (no increase), a pegged rate (keep last year's rate) or an incremental Truth in Taxation increase. The city last raised its rate in 2008. Shortfalls: $730,000 in public safety pay approved in December and about $2 million a year more needed for roads beyond the $2.5 million now dedicated. 2021 general fund property tax revenue: $4,421,000.
Item WS3 · Budget
FY2023 water and sewer funds
Discussed
Culinary water revenue up $300,000 from previously adopted rate increases, the last planned on July 1; two maintenance workers proposed ($120,000). The last water line bond proceeds will be drawn in 2022. Pressurized irrigation capital of $6.4 million in 2022 and $3 million in 2023 is all for metering, partly from ARPA money and hoped-for grants of $1.5 million. Shelton questioned whether the water rate increase was needed. Bunker said the legislature requires metering by 2030.