G O OD NE IG HBOR
NEWS
JUNE 2021
Paid for by the City of West Jordan
M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E I am happy to share my Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget proposal for consideration by members of the City Council and the residents of West Jordan. This is the second budget I have prepared as Mayor and the first budget that is balanced as proposed, in a number of years. The year 2020 was unlike any other. A global pandemic caused unemployment, housing insecurity, and economic distress in all cities across the world, while a natural disaster and protests created difficulties closer to home. Because we were conservative and judicious in our management practices through these challenges, the City of West Jordan finds itself in a relatively stable financial position. This year we will continue on a fiscally conservative path. Though sales tax is extremely tricky to estimate, given the unusual fluctuations of the past year, we are moving forward with a budget that estimates sales tax revenues from pre-pandemic sales tax receipts and assumes a modest 3.5% growth. This year total budgeted general fund expenditures are $60,553.00. Minor increases made possible through moderate growth in revenue will be dedicated toward the following initiatives: • Further stabilizing the budget, as the community rebounds from recent economic challenges • Maintaining critical infrastructure and improving community spaces, including continued development of Maple Hills Park and Ron Wood Park • Continuing to develop customer service and operations efficiencies, utilizing best practices and investments in technology • Taking care of our existing workforce with the reinstatement of cost of living and performance increases. I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished, given the challenges that have occurred in my short time as mayor. With your help we’ve made vast improvements to the city’s financial outlook, sought and received millions of dollars in outside funding to offset infrastructure costs, rolled back planned fee increases to residents and vastly improved administrative efficiencies. The future of West Jordan is bright!
West Jordan’s Western Stampede is this July Bulls, horses, riders, and rides – the Western Stampede is returning to West Jordan this year after it was canceled last year due to the pandemic. The event has been held in the city for more than 65 years. “We are so excited to hold this event this summer,” said West Jordan Mayor Dirk Burton. “Western Stampede brings the community together and provides an opportunity for us to bring non-residents into our city.” The Western Stampede is July first, second, and third. It is full of rodeos, carnival rides, parade floats, fireworks, food trucks and more. Tickets are on sale now – buy them online at westernstampede.com
Dogs in Cars - Tips from our West Jordan Animal Shelter • Please make sure your dog cannot jump out of a rolleddown window or out of the back of a truck. • If the temperature is above 70 degrees F, leave your pups at home. It is too hot for them to be left in a vehicle. • If your dog likes to go for car rides make sure they are never left unattended in a vehicle, so they do not accidentally lock themselves in. • Car accidents do happen, when your pup is in the car during a car accident they could run away. It’s a good idea to make sure they are microchipped or wearing some form of identification.
Sincerely,
Mayor Dirk Burton
WestJordanJournal .com
June 2021 | Page 15