COUNCIL CORNER

FY 2023-24 Budget update

For those that are not aware, Holladay runs on a fiscal calendar beginning July 1st and ending on June 30th. Our City Council approved the FY 2023-24 budget on June 15th. The budget is 107 pages long, so I won’t bore you with details but do want to point out some of the high points as we begin a new fiscal year.

The city supports a population of 32,000, 11,170 households, with a diversified locally influenced commercial tax base. In other words, we do not rely on sales tax revenue from big boxes and auto dealerships, as do many of our counterparts. This impacts our ability to raise large amounts of revenue through sales tax distributions, but we feel the unique character of a locally based business community is worth the trade-off.

PROJECTED

PROJECTED EXPENSES--- $20,960,000

The entire budget through the city website, or you can reach out to your Council Representative if you have questions. A more complete budget message will be provided in the August issue.

There are a few items worthy of further note. First, the primary responsibility of local government is public safety. We contract with both Unified Fire and Police to deliver these critical first responder services. We feel strongly that a shared services model attracts and retains the best and brightest in these respective fields and justifies the 48% budget allocation the Council approved.

Second, I want to shine a light on the significant investments we have and continue to make in city road and storm drain infrastructure. You’ll recall the 3-year process we followed to justify a city property tax increase and to assess a storm drain fee on both residential and commercial property. I’m sure you have noticed the significant road work taking place throughout the city. The additional property tax revenue being generated not only enabled us to address critical road needs, but will also allow us to continue this work over the coming years. Our attention will now turn to critical storm drain repairs and installations. Lack of past investment has resulted in 4 collapses(sinkholes) over the past 3 years. Investment is long past due, and we thank you for supporting this much-needed effort. I want to emphasize our commitment to prioritizing the new revenue you approved for critical infrastructure needs throughout the city.

Finally, I want the citizens of Holladay to know that the state of the city is strong. We make every effort to manage your tax dollars responsibly, and to spend your money wisely. Our balance sheet and fund balances (rainy day fund) are healthy. We feel Holladay is positioned to be a destination community for new residents, and the place past residents always want to return to.

Hope to see you at the free summer concerts, concert #1 kicks off July 8th!

**Bonding revenue supports storm water improvements. Bond payments are made with storm water fee collections.

I-215 Shared Use Path Feasibility Study

—Rob Dahle, Mayor

The City of Holladay, in partnership with the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), is initiating a feasibility study for a shared use path (SUP) along I-215 between Highland Drive and Holladay Boulevard. The study will explore design elements, aesthetics and construction feasibility of the path.

The path will connect Knudsen Park to the existing trail network. It will improve connectivity and accessibility for people who walk and bike in the community.

TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY

We want to hear from you! Use the QR code or visit surveymonkey. com/r/I-215sharedusepath to complete the study survey and provide your feedback. The survey will remain open through Aug. 15, 2023. Questions? Reach out to the study team at (385) 446-8887.

Holladay Library Happenings

Online Safety and Searching for Seniors

Saturday, July 08 • 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

How to guard your privacy, not get scammed, find good information, stay safe on the internet, and find all the best resources available to you. Come have a snack and learn with us.

July 8th: Finding good information online: Learn with a librarian how to use Google to your advantage and tell when you have found reliable information.

Seed Saving 101

Saturday, July 29 • 11:30-12:30

Learn from a local expert how to save seeds from the things you grow so that you can use those seeds next season.

Public Open House

Help us shape the future of Big Cottonwood Regional Park slco.org/planning

DATE: Wednesday, August 2 TIME: 6 pm–7:30 pm

PLACE: Creekside Park Pavilion 1592 E Murray Holladay Rd