Public Hearing

Public Hearing Meeting minutes June 25, 2024 6:00 P.M. Welcome Mayor Bruce Rowley called the public hearing to order at 6:02 p.m., noting it was to discuss the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Present at Meeting: Mayor Bruce Rowley, Council Members: Bre Aagard, Rachel Goates, Chris Chipping, Ray Evans. Meeting Recorders Chantal Rowley and Christine Carrigan. Also present: Carol Bennet Adoption Of The 2024–2025 Budget Mayor Rowley explained the purpose of the hearing was to gather feedback from the audience regarding the budget. There were no negative comments from attendees regarding the proposed 2025 FY budget. Amendment To The 2023-2024 Budget Council Member Ray Evans asked if the budgets had been made available to the public, and the Clerk replied that they are. The need to amend the 2024 FY budget and related numbers was presented to the Council and Mayor by Christine Carrigan. The Water and Gas Utility budgets were over on operating expenses. The culinary water project expenses and the high purchase cost of natural gas were the reason for the higher than budgeted numbers. Both utilities had more revenue than expense, but the budget still needed to be amended. A question arose about whether Levan's budget line items could be compared to those of other towns like Nephi. The Mayor explained that while some utility costs are comparable, Levan's utilities are evaluated by a professional specifically for this town's needs. For instance, certain utilities like gas and electricity are managed based on Levan-specific data, with some input from the Utah Municipal Power Agency (UMPA). Discussion There is no utility rate increase planned in the new budget. The Clerk mentioned that Rural Water had mentioned comparatively low water rates in Levan and suggested a 10% rate increase across all tiers. Mayor Rowley clarified that he did not want to raise utility rates or taxes. The Council agreed. There was a discussion about how wages in Levan are generally lower than in other Utah municipalities. The Mayor and Council Members agreed this is an important area that needs attention for adjustment. There was no further discussion or comments. Adjourn A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ray Evans. Seconded by Rachel Goates. Result: Motion carries unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m. Christine Carrigan, Clerk