Provo City Council tentatively adopts $6M stormwater budget for 2026

During the Provo City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, significant discussions centered around the tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which totals $6,000,209.04. City officials emphasized the importance of transparency, announcing that the budget details will be accessible on the city’s website for residents to review. Public hearings are scheduled for June 3 and June 17, allowing community members to voice their questions and concerns regarding the budget.

A key topic of concern was the stormwater service district's financial status, which currently shows a negative fund balance. Council members discussed the implications of this deficit, noting that it is not unusual for enterprise funds engaged in capital projects to experience fluctuations in their financial status. The council reassured residents that the negative balance is not alarming, as it reflects ongoing capital expenditures that may exceed current revenues.

Councilor Bogdan raised concerns about the negative fund balance, prompting a discussion about the accuracy of financial figures. City officials confirmed that adjustments would be made to ensure the fund balance reflects a positive outlook moving forward, with projections indicating a surplus of over $300,000 by the end of the fiscal year.

In addition to the stormwater budget, the council also addressed the proposed budget for the Provo Redevelopment Agency for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. Similar to the stormwater budget, public hearings will be held to discuss this budget, and council members expressed their commitment to reviewing the details thoroughly.

The meeting concluded with a tentative adoption of the proposed budgets, with the council voting 5 to 1 in favor of the stormwater service district budget. This decision marks a crucial step in the city’s financial planning, as officials prepare for further discussions and adjustments in the coming weeks. The outcomes of these meetings will play a vital role in shaping Provo's financial landscape and addressing community needs in the near future.