Council leans against property tax increase this year, weighs PARC grant accountability
June 6, 2023, 4:00 p.m. · City Administration Conference Room, 51 E. Main St.
Most council members favored skipping a proposed property tax increase through the Truth in Taxation process this year, with the mayor suggesting raising taxes every other year; Council Member Rob Shelton preferred small annual increases. The council also discussed tighter accounting for PARC tax grants, including a proposed grant administrator, questioned funding for a live nativity and a bounce house, reviewed fee increases including $100 more for nonresident Fitness Center passes, and refined water efficiency rules.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| PARC tax grant allocation and accountability | Discussed |
| Proposed fee schedule changes | Discussed |
| FY2024 budget book and property tax decision | Discussed |
| Water efficiency standards | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Parks
PARC tax grant allocation and accountability
Discussed
Hunter wanted a process for unspent funds; the mayor proposed a part-time grant administrator funded partly by an administrative fee. Finance Director Anna Montoya said grants should work on reimbursement with receipts. City Attorney Cherylyn Egner said Live AF's drone show and American Fork's Got Talent can be funded as distinct Live AF events but not contestant prizes or parade bands benefiting the Chamber, and questioned Harrington's $600 Fork Fest bounce house and a live nativity as religious. Members suggested $23,000 for the drone show.
Item 2 · Taxes and fees
Proposed fee schedule changes
Discussed
Shelton wanted applicants told the scope of third-party review work up front; Bunker said city consultant rates are lower than applicants would get. Nonresident Fitness Center fees rise $100; harbor and pavilion nonresident fees discussed.
Item 3 · Budget
FY2024 budget book and property tax decision
Discussed
Capital projects are the majority of spending; personnel and operations are each under 25%. Range adjustments for hard-to-fill positions were added after the tentative budget. Auto Mall connection property was bought in FY2023 for design with construction in FY2025. Grant administrator and a records specialist going full-time add 3 FTEs. On a proposed $1.00 property tax increase via Truth in Taxation, the mayor and Taylor favored skipping this year; Hunter favored every other year, not in election years; Shelton favored annual small increases; Barnes said skipping years doubles the increase; Carroll was fine deferring.
Item 4 · City code
Water efficiency standards
Discussed
Assistant City Administrator Camden Bird said the ordinance follows CUWCD's 35% limit on residential landscapable lawn area. Shelton questioned the 50% plant cover requirement and the $200 fee tied to utility reductions until metering.