Tuesday, May 27, 2025
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The Lehi City Council's May 27 regular meeting was dominated by the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which set total citywide expenditures at $286.4 million — a decrease of $68 million from the prior year's $354.4 million, largely due to a reduction in major capital projects. The council approved Resolution 2025-30 with Councilwoman Michelle Stallings casting the lone dissenting vote. The budget holds no property tax increase, but residents will see modest utility rate increases: sewer rates rise 15% due to increased treatment costs from the Timpanogos Special Services District, pressurized irrigation rates increase 5% per state mandate, garbage fees go up $1 per month, and the storm drain fee increases $0.25 per month. The FY2026 budget adds six new city employees — three police officers to address population growth and three parks staff to maintain new facilities including Lakeview Park and Holbrook Parks I and II. Two new administrative positions were also funded: a dedicated code enforcement officer and an internal auditor. Notably, funding for a proposed city ice rink was deferred to a future budget cycle. Two major capital projects — the new library and city hall complex and the city's municipal fiber broadband network — are on track for completion in the first half of FY2026. Construction of the Public Works Yard Phase I, which will house water, sewer, irrigation, and storm drain operations, was also budgeted after being delayed from the prior year. Beyond the budget, the council approved two annexations. The Clark Meadows Annexation (Ordinance 35-2025) added 7.2 acres at approximately 1800 West 1300 South with R-1-22 single-family zoning. The Salt Spring Annexation (Ordinance 34-2025) brought in 13.32 acres near 500 East 950 South under TH-5 townhome zoning, with Fieldstone Homes as the petitioner. The council also approved preliminary subdivision plans for Pioneer Village, a 34-lot single-family development at approximately 1300 West 1400 South, and approved a development code amendment removing side and rear yard setbacks in the Neighborhood Commercial zone. Earlier in the meeting, the council discussed minimum lot size requirements for detached accessory dwelling units during the pre-council session, a topic likely to return for formal action in coming months.