Lehi council budget retreat covers fiber bonding, rate pressures and citizen survey
February 4, 2025, 8:30 a.m. · Public Safety Building, 128 N. 100 East, and Council Chamber, 153 N. 100 East, Lehi
At the annual all-day budget retreat, staff said a $24-25 million bond will be needed to finish the fiber network, that pressurized irrigation, sewer and storm drain funds face rate pressure, and that a proposed $21.6 million rainy day fund is under consideration. A citizen survey found 85% of residents say Lehi is growing too quickly. The only vote was to enter a closed session on an individual's character or competence. The minutes list the date as February 4, 2024, which appears to be an error.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Financial update and policies | Discussed |
| Fiber network | Discussed |
| Candidate filing fees | Discussed |
| Power purchase adjustment clause | Discussed |
| Legislative update | Discussed |
| Closed session on an individual's character or competence | Approved · 5-0 |
| Council priorities, goals and assignments | Discussed |
| Miscellaneous updates: business licensing, North Shore Freeway, housing, staffing | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Budget
Financial update and policies
Discussed
Finance Director Dean Lundell said the culinary water fund is strong enough to avoid a rate increase, while pressurized irrigation, sewer and storm drain funds face pressure that may prompt rate increases. The city is considering a $21.6 million rainy day fund and other reserves; the general fund balance is about $24-25 million against a 30% target.
- Budget$21.6 million
Item 2 · Roads and utilities
Fiber network
Discussed
Fiber Network Manager Shaye Ruitenbeek said the project is near completion but about $24-25 million in additional bonding is needed for remaining costs and future connections. Proposed state legislation could limit the city's bonding ability.
- Bond$24.5 million
Item 3 · Taxes and fees
Candidate filing fees
Discussed
City Recorder Teisha Wilson proposed raising candidate filing fees from $35 to as much as $150. The council said fees should not deter candidates and directed research on actual administrative costs.
Item 4 · Taxes and fees
Power purchase adjustment clause
Discussed
Power Director Joel Eves said the city is on track to recover a previous shortfall by July 2025 and proposed lowering the PPAC, which would reduce residential rates. He also introduced a rate stabilization fund to smooth future increases as costlier generation comes online.
Item 5 · Other
Legislative update
Discussed
Management Analyst Sierra Pierson said the League of Cities and Towns was tracking about 180 bills, including H.B. 90 on by-right small lots, H.B. 256 on short-term rental licensing and S.B. 165, which could limit the city's fiber financing flexibility.
Other
Closed session on an individual's character or competence
Approved · 5-0
The council voted to close the meeting to discuss the character or professional competence of an individual; the closed session ended at about 12:17 p.m.
Presentation
AI and government
Discussed
Guest speaker Michael Atkinson presented on uses of generative AI as a tool, tutor and thought partner for government work.
Presentation
Citizen survey results
Discussed
Y2 Analytics' Tatiana Flaxman reported 75% of residents would recommend Lehi and an average quality-of-life score of 75 out of 100, with concerns about growth, traffic, infrastructure and housing prices. 85% said the city is growing too quickly, most strongly in the west and lakeside areas. Fire, emergency medical and garbage services rated highest.
Other
Council priorities, goals and assignments
Discussed
Priorities discussed included full build-out of Family Park including an ice rink, a larger library budget, a possible theater space, competitive public safety pay, a better city website, the freeway connector and more sidewalks. Committee assignments were adjusted, including adding the Public Works Director to the TSSD Board.
Item 6 · Other
Miscellaneous updates: business licensing, North Shore Freeway, housing, staffing
Discussed
Staff said home occupation licensing relies on an honor system without resources for enforcement, and the council weighed more staffing or code changes. The council discussed seeking federal funding for an environmental study of the North Shore Freeway alignment, updating affordable housing goals including looser rules for accessory dwelling units and more multi-family options, and ideas to recruit and retain public safety staff.
What residents said
Growth paceTraffic and infrastructureHousing prices