Utility budgets show water capital outpacing revenue; TSSD sewer charges to rise 15% again
March 18, 2025, 4:00 p.m. · City Administration Conference Room, 51 E. Main St.
Finance Director Anna Montoya previewed fiscal 2026 utility budgets: $7.9 million in culinary water capital projects including waterline replacements on 100 West, 100 East, 200 West and 300 West, a pressurized irrigation fund running a deficit pending a rate study, and a 15% TSSD sewer pass-through increase in January 2026 adding about $5 a month. Sen. Brady Brammer briefed the council on the legislative session, criticizing MAG's road planning and a proposed state 'Beehive Zone' that could override city zoning.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Proposed ordinance on storage and parking on public streets | Continued |
| FY2026 water, sewer, storm drain and sanitation funds | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
2025 legislative session debrief
Discussed
Sen. Brady Brammer discussed a moderate tax cut, his view that MAG's federal-formula planning chases congestion and that MAG was reluctant to share data, $1.5 billion approved for northwest Utah County roads, a proposed State Infrastructure Bank, the failed 'Beehive Zone' allowing state zoning overrides and tax increment financing, and collective bargaining. Lobbyists Ryan and Craig Peterson (PCG Utah) discussed attorney immunity and water bills SB80 and HB274.
Item 2 · City code
Proposed ordinance on storage and parking on public streets
Continued
Postponed to a later work session.
Item 3 · Budget
FY2026 water, sewer, storm drain and sanitation funds
Discussed
Culinary: service charges up 3% with no rate change yet; $7.9 million capital (down $2 million) incl. waterline replacements on 100 West, 100 East, 200 West and 300 West (CDBG), 700 North connection, Racetrack well, mobile generator; capital exceeds revenue, drawn from reserves pending rate study; new 0.7 FTE meter specialist for monthly meter reads; TOD well (impact fees). Irrigation: deficit pending rate study; grant-funded recycled water project held up at the state engineer, grant expires December 2026. Sewer: 15% TSSD pass-through Jan. 1, 2026 (TSSD raised 40% two years earlier and 15% last year), about $5/month per home, $10 for county parcels. Storm drain: rate increase justified by state mandates and five-year plan. Sanitation: 3.5% contract escalator could be absorbed from reserves.
- Culinary capital: $7.9 million
- TSSD increase: 15% on Jan. 1, 2026