Midvale City Newsletter | July 2023

MIDVALE CITY DIRECTORY

City Hall

In The Middle of Everything

City Hall – 7505 South Holden Street • Midvale, UT 84047

Marcus’ Message

801-567-7200

Finance/Utilities 801-567-7200

Court 801-567-7265

City Attorney’s O ce 801-567-7250

City Recorder/Human Resources 801-567-7228

Community Development 801-567-7211

Public Works 801-567-7235

Ace Disposal/Recycling 801-363-9995

Midvale Historical Museum 801-567-7285

Midvale Senior Center 385-468-3350

SL County Animal Services 385-468-7387

Communications 801-567-7230

MIDVALE CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Marcus Stevenson 801-567-7204

Email: mstevenson@midvale.com

CITY COUNCIL

District 1 - Quinn Sperry

Email: qsperry@midvale.com

District 2 - Paul Glover

Email: pglover@midvale.com

District 3 - Heidi Robinson

Email: Hrobinson@midvale.com

District 4 - Bryant Brown

Email: bbrown@midvale.com

District 5 - Dustin Gettel

Email: dgettel@midvale.com

WHO TO CALL FOR…

Water Bills 801-567-7200

Ordering A New Trash Can 801-567-7202

Permits 801-567-7213

Court 801-567-7265

Paying For Tra c School 801-567-7202

Business Licensing 801-567-7214 Cemetery 801-567-7235

Planning and Zoning 801-567-7231

Code Enforcement 801-567-7208

Building inspections 801-567-7213

Graffiti 385-468-9769

PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY CONTACTS

EMERGENCY 911

UFA Fire/UPD Police

> Non-emergency 801-840-4000

Uni ed Police Department

> Midvale Precinct 385-468-9350

Public Works 801-567-7235

Rocky Mountain Power 877-508-5088

CITY NEWSLETTER

By Mayor Marcus Stevenson

Preparing for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget

It’s that time of year again when cities across the State prepare for a new budget cycle. This cycle, called a scal year, runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. As we go through this process and create our budget, it’s an opportunity to communicate the values of our city, guide its operations, and allocate resources. Preparing for this scal year has been especially challenging with in ationary pressures and an uncertain national economy.

One major budgetary challenge that Midvale faces, is that we rely heavily on sales tax revenue compared to other sources, such as property tax. This makes our budget more susceptible to economic downturns than communities with greater balance in their revenue sources. In fact, of our $25 million budget, property tax is estimated to account for about $3.1 million in the upcoming scal year, whereas sales tax is estimated to account for $10.7 million. Ideally, those two amounts would be similar, and the imbalance means that as we prepare for a potential recession, we need to budget as conservatively as we can because sales tax is directly impacted by the state of the economy. Because of this, we’ve estimated no new increases in sales tax and have decreased our budget by about 2%.

A Conservative Approach While Increasing Services

While our overall budget has decreased, that doesn’t mean we are not increasing services, but rather that we cut in other areas and prioritized what was critical.

The Uni ed Police Department (UPD) saw the largest single increase within our budget. It’s estimated that the member fee Midvale City pays to UPD will increase by about $600,000, meaning our overall member fee will be about $12 million and is roughly 48% of our budget. This increase represents the continued wage wars that we are seeing in public safety and includes a new sergeant position in our Midvale precinct to oversee the Direct Enforcement Unit (DEU). It is this unit that does special projects such as investigating crimes that may include nuisance locations, gangs, narcotics, tra c enforcement, and other situations.

In public works there are a couple of sta ng changes. First, we are fully funding a parks and cemetery position. While this position was rst added to the budget last year, it was only funded for the last half of the scal year. By fully funding this position, it will give the City the necessary help to continue our work to curb vandalism at our parks, provide more appealing park space, and maintain new park space in the Jordan Blu s area. Secondly, we are proposing an additional full-time facilities journeyman. This employee will help maintain all city-owned buildings and grounds along with one other journeyman. The additional sta ng will help complete major maintenance needs more quickly, which in turn can save residents money by preventing deferred maintenance that grows more costly overtime.

Lastly, in conjunction with Salt Lake County, we have been fortunate to receive a multi-year grant from the State of Utah which will fully fund hiring a full-time Communities that Care (CTC) Coalition Coordinator. CTC is a national, science-backed, data-driven program that connects community resources to

each other. Midvale has many incredible non-pro ts that operate within our community, who help our residents, but unfortunately, they are not always connected to each other. The goal with a CTC is to identify community challenges, such as food insecurity or underage drug use, and to come up with a plan to address these most critical needs. The Coalition Coordinator will be charged with leading this e ort.

Financial Impact on Residents

Even by increasing service levels and cutting the overall budget by 2%, we need to propose a 3.4% property tax increase. This increase of $7 per year on the average home will not only provide better service levels, but also help our budget stay current with in ation, help the imbalance we have in property & sales tax, and allow us to use the best nancial practices by ensuring that we do not use one-time funds for on-going expenses. I would never count on birthday money to pay for my mortgage, and the city shouldn’t either. This change allows us to be more nancially stable and responsible during a time when it’s essential.

While any property tax increase may initially sound like a lot, it’s important to keep in mind that this only applies to the Midvale City portion of your property tax bill, which is currently $208 per year on the average home. Further, it’s an important reminder that even with increased home prices, the amount that the city collects from property tax does not increase. As an example, if Midvale City collected $100 from your property taxes last year, then we will collect $100 again this year, regardless of any changes to your property value unless we go into the process to raise property taxes called Truth & Taxation.

Conclusion

I know that even a small tax increase is likely not what anyone wants to hear. I also hope that the average increase of $0.58 a month is well worth having a more e cient police department, long-term building maintenance cost savings, more clean and beautiful parks, increasing the e ectiveness of our many nonpro ts, and helping to stabilize our city nances so that we can continue to deliver critical municipal services, even through di cult economic times.

In The Middle of Everything

Celebrate Friendship and Community at Midvale City’s 2023 Harvest Days Festival!

For over 80 years, Midvale City has been a shining example of friendship and community spirit, and this year’s Harvest Days Festival promises to continue that tradition. From July 31 to August 5, 2023, join us for a week-long celebration of all that makes our city special. With a wide range of events and activities planned, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Neighborhood Block Parties (July 31 - Aug 1)

The festivities kick o with neighborhood block parties, bringing neighbors together for a time of connection and fun. It’s a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds within our community and celebrate the unique spirit of each neighborhood. To schedule your Block Party and arrange visits from esteemed guests, including the Mayor, City Council members, the Uni ed Fire Authority, Uni ed Police Department, and local elected o cials, please complete the online Neighborhood Block Party form at EngageMidvale.com/harvest-days.

Midvale Arts Council Hall of Honors & Arts Show (Aug 2)

Recognizing and appreciating the outstanding contributions of our local artists, the Midvale Arts Council Hall of Honors & Arts Show is an event not to

be missed. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of art as we showcase the talent that thrives within our community.

Tyler Library Game Night (Aug 3)

Join us at the Tyler Library for an evening of friendly competition and gaming. Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or enjoy video games, there will be something to entertain and engage everyone. Get ready to show o your skills and make memories with fellow game enthusiasts.

Food Truck Friday and Concert in the Park (Aug 4)

Indulge your taste buds in an array of delectable treats at Food Truck Friday, located at Midvale City Hall. Savor mouthwatering dishes from various food trucks, o ering a diverse range of cuisines. Afterward, head over to Midvale City Park for a free Concert in the Park at 7:30 pm, where you can unwind and enjoy live music under the open sky.

Harvest Days Festival (Aug 5)

The highlight of Harvest Days is the Harvest Days Festival, a full day of excitement and family-friendly activities. Start your day o on a healthy note with the Fun Run at 7:00 a.m., followed by the eagerly anticipated Harvest

Days Parade at 9:00 a.m., showcasing the vibrant spirit of our local community groups and organizations.

Throughout the day, there will be a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained. Sumo Wrestling demonstrations and brackets will provide exhilarating spectacles, while free Bingo and Salsa Dancing lessons will engage and delight festival-goers. Let your children’s imaginations soar with free kids’ activities, including bounce houses, in atables, Doodle Art, and more.

Don’t miss the captivating performances by Scales and Tails, providing fascinating insights into the world of reptiles. Laugh out loud with the hilarious improvisational comedy of Laughing Stock Improv, and let DJ Andy from One Sound Events keep the energy high with his vibrant beats.

As the day progresses, get ready to groove to the rhythm of the Shu e concert, delivering a memorable musical experience for all. Finally, be awestruck by the breathtaking reworks show at 10:00 p.m., illuminating the night sky and bringing this incredible festival to a close.

3 023

July

Throughout the event, be sure to explore the array of food trucks and booth vendors, serving up delicious treats and refreshing beverages to satisfy every craving. 2023 Neighborhood

Laughing Stock Improv

August 3

August 4 Bingo Carnival Games

Food Truck Friday & Concert in the Park

2023 Midvale Hall of Honors Inductee

Clark Phelps, a Midvale native and long-time Midvale business owner, has been chosen as the 2023 inductee into the Midvale Hall of Honors. Clark is viewed by many as the uno cial “historian” of Midvale, with his family having a long and storied history in Midvale going back several generations. Clark has donated several items to the Midvale Museum, has shared hundreds of photos and anecdotes of historic Midvale in online forums, and was heavily involved in the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street business alliances over the years. Without his institutional knowledge spanning several generations and his fantastic ability to captivate an audience with his unique brand of storytelling, so much of Midvale’s history would already be lost to the ages.

Clark has a special interest in historic Main Street and has worked for years to keep the culture and history of Main Street alive and to maintain its vintage authenticity as an integral part of Midvale City. Until just recently, Clark ran his antiques store on Main Street and welcomed any and all who wanted to stop in and chat about Midvale’s history. Clark is truly a remarkable individual whose signi cant contributions to Midvale will continue to bene t generations to come.

The Hall of Honors induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 7:00pm, at the Midvale Performing Arts Center (695 W. Center Street). All are invited to attend the ceremony, which will be held in conjunction with the Harvest Days Visual Arts Contest that same evening.

Protect Your Pet from Summer Fun

Salt Lake County Animal Services

More pets go missing in the summer months than any other time of year. Make sure they always have on a collar with an ID tag with up-to-date info, and take note of which events could increase the probability of your dog getting out.

BARBECUES: If guests are going to be coming in and out of the front door or back gate, keep your pets in a secure area or put them in their crate. An unsecured gate or open door is the perfect opportunity for your pet to take themselves on an adventure without you. Keep in mind that many human foods, beverages, and seasonings are extremely toxic to dogs, so make sure to keep the tempting treats out of your dog’s reach.

THUNDERSTORMS: According to the ASPCA, 1 in 5 pets goes missing after being scared by loud noises. Be sure to bring your pet indoors and keep them away from open windows when summer storms roll into your area. It can also be helpful to give them their favorite toy or an easily digested chew to help them alleviate stress from anxiety-causing noises.

FIREWORKS: The loud noise of rework displays, big or small, are scary and disorienting to pets. Leave them at home and inside with a loud fan or calming music. If the reworks display is in your driveway, be sure to clean up the leftover rework debris. Never underestimate what your dog may stick in its mouth. Fireworks are poisonous to pets.

All pets in Salt Lake County can receive a free microchip at Salt Lake County Animal Services, pet licensing may be required depending on your city. Email animal@slco.org or come to Animal Services at 511 W 3900 S, Tue – Fri, 10-6 to get your pet microchipped. Found a lost pet? Contact your local animal control! The rst place pet owners look for a lost pet is the local shelter. How you can help: post a photo of them where you found them and what shelter they went to on the NextDoor App or Utah Lost & Found Pets Facebook Group. All pets at SLC Animal Services can be seen online at AdoptUtahPets.org.

Celebrating Utah Museum Month

July is Utah’s Museum Month! Utah Museum Month is an annual campaign to raise public awareness of the 260+ museums, zoos, gardens, and heritage sites that preserve and share the rich and diverse stories of Utah Communities.

Stop by the Midvale Museum at 7615 S. Park Street (in the Community Center building, enter from Je erson Street.) The museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 12 pm to 4 pm. You’ll nd fascinating artifacts from Midvale families, the Bingham Junction Smelter, and even our own astronaut, Don Lind! Explore the past with items like an antique phone switchboard, washing tubs, a sewing machine, and a traditional pot-belly stove. You can also try your hand at writing a letter on a typewriter or playing a tune on the old piano from Midvale Elementary.

As part of Utah Museum Month, the Midvale Museum is participating in the Utah Museums Association (UMA) Passport activity for 2023! Download your passport at www.UtahMuseums. org and visit ve or more museums, including the Midvale Museum, from July 1 to July 31. By doing so, you’ll receive a special UMA collectible sticker. We can’t wait to welcome you!