Proposed $143 million budget holds property tax flat; new fees target cuts into newly paved roads
May 20, 2025, 4:00 p.m. · City Administration Conference Room, 51 E. Main St.
Finance Officer Anna Montoya presented a proposed fiscal 2026 citywide budget of $143,071,695, about 53% of it capital spending, with no property tax increase and fewer full-time positions. Proposed fee changes include up to $5,000 for cutting into roads less than two years old, a free first eight hours of lane closures, and new Boat Harbor fees, while the city will absorb a 3.5% Republic Services garbage increase. Members also heard about a library consortium with Pleasant Grove and Highland and Alpine School District's interim superintendent.
From the approved minutes.
In brief
3 items came up for a decision or discussion: 3 discussed.
The agenda records 1 dollar amount, the largest $143.1 million.
This write-up links 2 source documents.
4 members were present and 2 absent (Councilmember Ernie John, Councilmember Clark Taylor).
The previous City Council work session meeting was on May 13, 2025: Council accepts tentative fiscal 2026 budget, declares land near 700 South 100 West surplus
The next one was on May 27, 2025: Council renames Art Dye Park as Mary and Art Dye Park; parking cut for Auto Mall Drive cheer gym fails
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Proposed Timpanogos Library Consortium | Discussed |
| Proposed FY2026 general fee schedule | Discussed |
| Review of proposed FY2026 budget book | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Alpine School District presentation
Discussed
Board member Sara Beeson explained hiring Rob Smith as interim superintendent from July 1 to guide the split into three districts; Forbes Elementary regains about $9 million in Title I funding.
Item 2 · Other
Proposed Timpanogos Library Consortium
Discussed
Library Director Casandria Crane described a shared catalog and three-day-a-week courier with Pleasant Grove and Highland, with annual review; Hunter asked about cost fairness.
Item 3 · Taxes and fees
Proposed FY2026 general fee schedule
Discussed
Road cut fees up to $5,000 for roads 0-2 years old; first 8 hours of lane closures free; half fees for boring instead of trenching; reduced plan review fees for repeat plans per state law and valuation-based residential review fees; city absorbs 3.5% Republic Services sanitation increase (about $1/month); utility hardship discount extended to all city utilities for residents 65+ under $40,840 income; Boat Harbor $5/day parking, $10 launch, $80 season pass.
- Road cut fee: up to $5,000
- Sanitation contractor: Republic Services (3.5% annual escalator)
Item 4 · Budget
Review of proposed FY2026 budget book
Discussed
Citywide total $143,071,695, about 53% capital; general fund balanced with public safety about 53%; FTEs reduced through unfilled retirements; new Economic Development Division under Development Services; building maintenance moved to an internal service fund; no property tax increase; adoption planned June 10.
- Budget$143.1 million
- Citywide budget: $143,071,695