Mayor’s Message – Lyle Holmgren

June 2025

Since its earliest days, the Bear River Valley has attracted many people for its fertile soil, favorable climate, and business opportunities. It was a wonderful place to live and raise a family in 1903 and remains an excellent place to do so in 2025.

By 1910, residents of the newly established town of Tremonton began clamoring for a new city water system. Prior to this, they obtained their water from individual wells. Then, someone proposed that the water should be sourced 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 today’s dollars) to purchase a spring northwest of town, and the new waterworks were installed. There was great rejoicing among the people when the water system was ready for use.

In 1913, a private sewer company was established, connecting 28 homes to the sewer system. This original private company served the community for ten years before being transferred to the city for the price of the original investment plus 8 percent. The new sewer system sparked the construction of numerous buildings along the main street, including the Shield’s Hotel, Waldron’s store, and the Midland Building, among many others.
By 1921, Tremonton’s Main Street had become a destination for people from all over the northern part of the county to shop. It served as a marketplace where farmers exchanged their goods. The city was quickly evolving into the economic hub of northern Box Elder County. However, when it rained, the street turned into a muddy, sticky mess. Shop owners grew tired of the mud being tracked into their stores and eventually reached their breaking point. Consequently, the city issued bonds for $87,000 (equivalent to $1.4 million today) to pave its streets. At the time, everyone agreed that the investment was worthwhile. These were significant and necessary investments for a young city.

Throughout its history, Tremonton has undergone numerous changes and made significant investments in its infrastructure. The city has experienced periods of growth; at other times, it has faced a stagnant economy, and at still other times, many people lost their jobs, forcing Tremonton to seek employment 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 continually invests in our infrastructure, including water, sewer, and roads, as well as in those who keep everything running. Public safety is paramount; police and fire/EMS keep us all safe. We need to provide them with the necessary resources to do their jobs and, more importantly, to ensure their safety as they protect us. Our senior center and library offer valuable services in our community that enhance the quality of life for all of us.

To those at city hall, these employees are the ones who keep the city running. They answer your questions, pay the city’s bills, and provide the planning and management necessary to maintain a solid financial footing for the city. Thanks to their efforts, we have the human resources to apply for outside funding and grants. For example, I, along with city staff and city council, have been successful in securing grants over the last 3 1/2 years totaling over $4.5 million for essential water, secondary water, and Main Street improvements in town. This is funding that the city does not need to solicit directly from our citizens.
Finally, the mayor, city council, city staff, and citizens of our city are just like you. They take their roles and stewardship of our community seriously. They are charged with carrying 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.”
As we grow, I hope we take a moment to reflect on where we have come as a city and 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.