Lehi council budget retreat: finance director proposes rate increases, council weighs rec center bond and downtown sidewalks
February 7, 2023, 9:00 a.m. · Public Safety Building, 128 N. 100 East, Lehi
At its all-day work session and budget retreat, the Lehi City Council heard that the finance director recommends small, more frequent utility rate increases, including pressurized irrigation rates that have run at an operating loss. Members listed priorities such as transportation, downtown sidewalks and parks and recreation staffing, and discussed a possible general obligation bond for another recreation center. All six members attended.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Financial update and utility rates | Discussed |
| Family Park concept plans | Discussed |
| Election dates and information | Discussed |
| Council goals discussion | Discussed |
| Council assignments | Discussed |
| Closed session on an individual's character or competence | Approved · 5-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item 2 · Presentation
Council training: Trust and Inspire
Discussed
Cameron Moon of Franklin Covey led council training. Council Member Paige Albrecht joined virtually.
Item 3 · Presentation
Water supply and legislative session updates
Discussed
Matt Dalton of the Water Department said snowpack is above average but reservoir storage remains very low, so conservation outreach should continue; he said residents have no reason to water more than three times a week, and changing the water phases was discussed. Andy Gowans said the city's message to legislators is that the State has a surplus but cities do not and the State should partner with local government. Bills of concern include land use items such as accessory dwelling unit changes, subdivisions and non-compliance penalties.
Item 4 · Presentation
Citizen survey results
Discussed
Emily Schill of Y2 Analytics said growth and water conservation are residents' main concerns. Overall satisfaction has trended down since 2021, consistent with other high-growth communities, though residents are still generally highly satisfied; snow removal improved most.
Item 5 · Budget
Financial update and utility rates
Discussed
Finance Director Dean Lundell said inflation was up 6.45% and retail sales have been steady. Big budget items next year are Station 83 construction and staffing and the new library and city hall. He suggested rate increases for some utility funds, including pressurized irrigation because of operating losses, and rate discussions on when to start usage rates. He prefers frequent but small increases, recommended small increases for garbage and storm drain and said green waste rates may need to rise. Power had an operating loss last year that reserves covered, and a rate increase was implemented. He also reviewed financial policies needed for a good bond rating, including raising the target general fund reserve from 20-25% to 25-30% and allowing use of reserves in an economic downturn.
Item 8 · Parks
Family Park concept plans
Discussed
Parks Superintendent Steve Marchbanks presented proposed concept plans for Family Park.
Item 9 · Other
Election dates and information
Discussed
City Recorder Teisha Wilson gave an update on important election dates.
Item 6 · Other
Council goals discussion
Discussed
Members reviewed priorities. Transportation, including public transit, was discussed, along with a plan for downtown sidewalk improvement and restoration, code enforcement support and staff support for parks and recreation. Council Member Katie Koivisto suggested another recreation center funded with a general obligation bond put to voters. Council Member Paul Hancock suggested more aggressive non-resident fees for recreation and the Legacy Center. Expanding or renovating the Legacy Center was also discussed.
Item 7 · Other
Council assignments
Discussed
Members discussed who would serve on the TSSD board and made new committee assignments.
Other
Closed session on an individual's character or competence
Approved · 5-0
The council voted unanimously to go into closed session.