Mayor’s Message
April, 2023
A CASE FOR OPTIMISM
From its earliest days, the Bear River valley has been sought out by many people for its fertile soils, climate, and business opportunities. It was a great place to live and raise a family in 1903 and still is a great place to live and raise a family in 2023.
By 1910, people in the newly established town of Tremonton began clamoring for a new city water system. Before this time, residents had obtained their water from individual wells. Then someone had the idea that the water should be taken from the recently built canal system. According to Mrs. C.C. Wilson, a Tremonton resident at the time, “This worked splendidly at first but lasted till Tremonton was known far and wide for its bad water.” (I can only imagine!) In the fall of 1918, the City issued a bond for $40,000 ($796,000 in 2023 dollars) to purchase a spring northwest of town, and the new waterworks were installed. There were great rejoicings among the people when the water system was ready for use.
In 1913, a private sewer company was formed, and 28 homes were connected to the sewer system. The original private company served the people for ten years and then was turned over to the city at the price of the original investment plus 8 percent. The effect of the new sewer system initiated the construction of many new buildings along the main street, with the construction of the Shield’s Hotel, Waldron’s store, and the Midland Building, among many others.
By 1921, Tremonton’s Main Street was a place where people came from all over the northern part of the county to shop. It was a place where farmers bought and sold their commodities. The city was fast becoming the economic hub of northern Box Elder County. When it rained though, it was a muddy and sticky mess. Shop owners were tired of cleaning out all the mud that was tracked into their shops and finally had enough, so the city bonded $87,000 ($1.4 million in 2023 dollars) to pave the city’s streets. Everyone at the time agreed that the money was well spent.
These were significant and necessary investments for a young city.
Throughout our history, Tremonton has undergone many changes and has made significant investments in its infrastructure. The city has experienced periods of growth, at other times, a stagnant economy, and still other times, an economy where people lost their jobs in large numbers, leaving Tremonton to look for work elsewhere. I have seen all these in my lifetime, and of the three, for me, a weak economy is the most heartbreaking and difficult.
Today, our economy is strong. Companies are hiring and we are growing. The city is continually making investments in our infrastructure such as water, sewer, and roads, and to those who keep everything running. Public safety is paramount, police and fire/EMS keep us all safe – we need to provide them with the resources necessary so they can do their jobs, and more importantly, to keep them safe, as they are keeping us safe. Our senior center and library provide valuable services in our community that improve the quality of life for all of us.
To those at city hall, these are the employees who keep the city running. They answer your questions, pay the city’s bills, and provide the planning and management necessary to keep the city on a sure financial footing. Because of their efforts, we have the human resources to apply for outside funding and grants. For example, the city has been successful in receiving grants this year valuing more than $2.5 million to pay for needed water, secondary water, and main street improvements in town. This is money that the city does not need to reach out directly to our citizens for.
Finally, members of the city council are citizens of our city, just like you. They take their roles and stewardship for our community seriously. They are charged to carry out our vision,
“To be a connected community with a vibrant and welcoming feel.”
and to fulfill the city’s mission,
“To create a safe and welcoming community where neighbors feel connected to each other and can enjoy life.”
So, as we grow, I hope we will take a moment to reflect on where we have come as a city, and take a moment to quietly thank those who came before us, for their sacrifices and vision. I also hope we can all look to the future with optimism.
I know I do.
Thanks for that interesting bit of history. I remember in the early 60’s there was a year or so that several of my classmates disappeared from the old Mckinley and the brand new North Park schools. I didn’t know it then, but it turns out a lot of their families moved away due to large lay-offs at an up-and-coming business named Thiokol. I think back then you could buy a house in Sandallwood Acres or Melody Park areas for a song!
You and me both, Thanks Val!
Growing up in Brigham City, I NEVER saw myself migrating to Tremonton. I’ve been here 10 years now and have no plans of ever leaving!