The Connection Report is a biweekly summary of business conducted in the City Council Workshop and Strategic Planning Session. It reports what was discussed and decided, what is on the calendar, and what items will return to Council for action. This report covers the May 20, 2026 Workshop and Strategic Planning meetings.

Proposed Water, Treatment, and Sewer Rate Increases

Our Council reviewed a proposed utility rate adjustment presented by the Finance Director and outside finance counsel. There was no vote taken on May 20. A resolution will return to Council for consideration at an upcoming meeting, with a proposed effective date of July 1, 2026.

The proposal is focused on keeping Tremonton’s water system financially stable, maintaining bond compliance, and ensuring our infrastructure continues serving residents well into the future.

Proposed Monthly Increases Per Connection

Why the Increase Is Being Proposed

The proposed culinary water increase is tied to bond covenants connected to the city’s existing water infrastructure debt. Water revenue can fluctuate depending on weather patterns. Wetter seasons typically mean less outdoor watering, which lowers water revenue. Our Finance staff explained that the proposed $5 base increase is the level needed to confidently meet bond obligations regardless of weather variability.

The wastewater treatment plant increase supports ongoing operations at the treatment facility. The sewer collection increase, if adopted, would support maintenance of the collection system. Finance staff noted that the sewer collection portion could potentially be delayed by one year without immediate compliance concerns.

When Water Rates Were Last Adjusted

The current water rate structure was adopted approximately six to seven years ago when the city’s first water bond was issued. Rates have not been adjusted since that time.

What Is Not Changing

The current tiered usage structure is not changing under this proposal. The adjustment applies only to the base amount.

Residents who do not use culinary water for outdoor irrigation continue to be billed based on usage. Residents with private wells or other documented non-use can work with the Utility Billing office to confirm their account status.

Secondary Water — Hookup Timing and Penalty Rate

Tremonton continues expanding the secondary water system across the community. Council discussed both the timeline for residents to connect once secondary water becomes available and the penalty rate tied to continued culinary water use when secondary water is available but not connected.

Residents will continue to have one year from the date secondary water becomes available at their property to complete a connection.

Council also discussed adjusting how the penalty rate is triggered so residents have a reasonable window of time after connection becomes possible before higher culinary rates apply.

State Context on Secondary Water Metering

State law requires all secondary water systems in Utah to be metered by 2033. Tremonton began installing secondary water meters at the beginning of the system buildout and is currently ahead of the state deadline. No retrofit of existing secondary meters is anticipated.

How Residents Will Be Notified

Residents will receive notice through:

• Utility bill inserts
• City website updates
• City social media channels

The FY27 Final Budget Public Hearing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Public comment will be taken during that meeting.

Next Steps

Staff will prepare a draft resolution that includes the proposed rate adjustments and secondary water penalty trigger language.

Council will also continue work on:

• A Capital Facilities Plan
• A Capital Projects Plan
• An Impact Fee Study

A $93,000 General Plan Update grant has been awarded and may help support portions of this planning work.

A broader utility rate study is also being considered for next fiscal year.

Secondary Water System Update

Secondary water is now up and running for the season. Crews are continuing installation work at Holmgren East, and the second equalization basin is nearing completion. Remaining work includes gate and fence installation before the basin is filled.

Public Works also reported continued improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. Oxygen levels have improved due to the installation of two large mixers in the upper basin, and odor concerns have decreased. Crews are continuing to fine-tune solids settling due to increased turbulence affecting fine-particle separation.

Rocket Road Project

Three utility poles required for the Rocket Road project have now been relocated. The project timeline is expected to extend slightly beyond the end of May and into June.

Parks, Trails, and Library

Library Stage

Framing for the new stage storage area is complete, and crews are awaiting siding delivery to finish the project.

Jeanie Stevens Parking Lot

The parking lot is scheduled to be sealed on Wednesday, May 27, and will be closed for 24 hours. Notice will be posted in advance.

Jeanie Stevens Park Trail Reconstruction

Asphalt repairs on damaged trail sections were completed on May 20.

Splash Pad

Crews are preparing the splash pad for summer, including repainting as weather permits, with an anticipated opening around Memorial Day.

Gold Star Memorial

The names of Gold Star families will be displayed at Midland Square for the Gold Star Walk on May 23rd.

Parks, Recreation, Trails & Open Space Master Plan

Revisions to the plan are complete. The next step is Planning Commission review before returning to Council for adoption into the Comprehensive Plan.

Restroom Security

Staff is evaluating restroom security measures at park facilities to help reduce vandalism. Midland Square is being prioritized as Wi-Fi and security cameras are added. Additional park upgrades will depend on future funding.

Public Safety — Fire Department

The Fire Department shared that two new full-time firefighters and two new part-time hires have completed initial training and are now picking up shifts. The department is currently fully staffed after carrying open positions since January.

Strategic Planning — Four Pillars

Council began strategic planning discussions focused on Pillar One: Connect to the Good Life. This pillar includes parks, recreation, youth programs, housing and growth management, and quality-of-life amenities.

Topics discussed included:

• Continuing momentum on the Main Street project and utilizing community survey data already gathered
• Community events and shared experiences like the Farmers Market, movies in the park, concerts at Midland Square, and Mugs & Bananas
• Expanding family-friendly neighborhood activity through NIP groups
• Public safety as a foundational priority
• Recreation facility capacity, including pickleball and youth sports needs
• Funding discussions, including the possibility of a RAP tax proposal for future recreation facilities
• Balancing Tremonton’s small-town identity with growing service expectations

Pillar Two discussions will take place during the next Strategic Planning session. The Council’s goal is to identify four to five priorities within each pillar and align citywide funding and priorities accordingly.

Land Use, Planning, and Code Updates

PUD Ordinance

The Community Development Department, along with outside land use counsel, recommended repealing and replacing the current Planned Unit Development ordinance. The proposed replacement would create a PC zoning framework that separates legislative and administrative functions while requiring developers to work through density, setbacks, and infrastructure discussions with Council before engineering review begins.

Council directed staff to move forward with drafting. Existing projects currently in process will not be affected.

State Code Alignment

Staff identified several city code sections requiring updates to align with state law, including provisions adopted under SB 174 in 2023. Priority updates will return to Council in phases over the coming months.

Planning Fee Schedule

Staff proposed restructuring planning application fees so they more accurately reflect actual review work completed. Two options were presented:

• A bond/deposit model with refunds for unused review time
• Pass-through fees for engineering and contracted review services

Council expressed support for the bond model. Staff will continue coordinating with Finance and Civic Review before bringing a final proposal back.

Group Home Licensing

Council directed staff to verify state and city licensing status for an existing group home on 700 North and 200 East and review compliance with Fair Housing Act requirements and city code related to supervision and security plans.

Staff will also research a prior resolution regarding group home proximity to schools and report back.

CAPSA — New Facility in Garland

Josh Thompson, representing CAPSA, presented plans for a new facility in Garland. CAPSA provides free and confidential services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The project includes:

• Five fourplexes for transitional housing
• Office space
• Future shelter capacity

The land was donated by John and Jennifer Scout, and approximately $3.5 million in state funding has been awarded for the initial housing units.

CAPSA serves northern Box Elder County and will continue coordinating with New Hope in Brigham City. The anticipated opening timeline is late spring or early summer 2027, pending Garland utility studies.

Council also discussed adding CAPSA resource information to the city website and coordinating efforts with the Emotional Wellness Committee.

Administrative Updates

Resolution 26-28 — Purchasing Policy Update

The resolution updates the list of city positions authorized to sign purchase orders to reflect the current department structure.

Added positions:

• Finance Director
• Building Official
• Code Administrator
• Emergency Manager
• Public Works Operations Manager
• Zoning Administrator

Removed positions:

• Assistant City Manager
• Community Development Director

Purchase order signing limits remain unchanged.

Sales Tax Leakage Review

Finance is working with the state to identify businesses operating within the city without current business licenses and to address possible sales tax leakage.

City Council Compensation

Council reviewed a proposed compensation adjustment. Research showed the proposed increase would have added approximately $80,000 to the budget. Council elected to maintain current compensation levels and revisit the topic in one year.

Public Comment — Topics Raised by Residents

Riverview Cemetery Water

A resident requested that water be turned on at Riverview Cemetery before Memorial Day so families can water flowers. The item was referred to staff for follow-up.

Secondary Water Communication

A resident raised concerns about the need for clearer communication regarding secondary water hookup timelines, costs, meter installation, penalty rates, and landlord versus renter responsibility. Council acknowledged the concern and committed to improving communication moving forward.

Connection Cost Assistance

A resident raised concerns about the cost of secondary water hookups for fixed-income and lower-income residents and suggested exploring assistance options. The item was referred to staff for further review.

Private Well Users

A resident asked how to document non-use of culinary water for irrigation. Staff confirmed that documentation such as photos and usage records can be brought to the Utility Billing office.

Holmgren Subdivision Traffic

A resident shared concerns regarding heavy construction traffic through the Holmgren subdivision while children are out of school. Concerns included safety, signage, and alternate routes. The item was referred to staff for follow-up.

Upcoming Calendar

Notice of Public Hearing

Closed Session

Council convened in closed session on May 20, 2026, to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation, as permitted under the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act. No action was taken in open session following the closed session.

Questions about your utility bill or secondary water connection can be directed to the Utility Billing office at City Hall.

Questions regarding the proposed rate increase can be addressed during the FY27 Budget Public Hearing on June 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., or by contacting City Hall directly.

This Connection Report is compiled from the audio record of the City Council Workshop and Strategic Planning Session held May 20, 2026. Official minutes remain the authoritative record of Council action.