[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6527770,"mediaKeyId","3533924-daa42e952a9cead88c10cc69d6fb61f4","parentId",3533924,"title","Metro Water presents FY26 tentative budget; proposes 5% rate increase, issues bonds for Cottonwoods work","audioSeconds",1496,"startMs",242000,"endMs",1738000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533924-daa42e952a9cead88c10cc69d6fb61f4&start=242&end=1738","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533924-daa42e952a9cead88c10cc69d6fb61f4/thumbnail_242000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6527770/Sandy/Salt-Lake-County/Utah/Metro-Water-presents-FY26-tentative-budget-proposes-5-rate-increase-issues-bonds-for-Cottonwoods-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527770-690e664ecacaafc12812d613455fc484/orig.mp4?Expires=1773700764&Signature=cPYDyvb4Cy-y4TVp5nCENHArxtWPH5cnV8dWoIxoyg3uxbN8BYOmEw60QRmqMRL594DeiKWaVQsyGQWtVVI1hFVR1Ne3PcennpT9uIW3rGdj3nl5LJ2UdB-kK4g9EP749mOVnDFSMcZDZ-9thCJjyP0dCNHngVK7YF1-lXKuIwUirlDVQk8GoYirGVzhhZxp6GIlsyWTtMC2Y5pu~hfG3IJk7ntQtSNG0IoSS7EHJuIGeL7BiVVyClMEQidfTaDjJVinan4M1eXdmZs~gu6NYu49Li7WlVn6a8cINfZQSw3dNPdAM12mqtT6n-5md4WVmWrUGcbLiZd8b~XZIIKywg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sandy","date","2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","article","Ann Lee Muncy, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy, presented Metro’s tentative fiscal year 2026 budget to the Sandy City Council on May 27, 2025, outlining proposed revenue changes, planned bond borrowing and major capital work in the Cottonwoods and at the Little Cottonwood treatment plant.

Metro’s tentative budget proposes a 5% increase in water rates for member cities and nonmember surplus sales; Muncy said that increase would generate roughly $342,907 in additional revenue for Sandy City. She told the council that the budget includes bond proceeds equal to about 27% of projected revenue, a capital program of about $37,000,000, and total uses and debt service that bring the budget package to approximately $111,000,000.

The budget matters to Sandy ratepayers because Metro funds capital work through a mix of water sales, property taxes, miscellaneous reimbursements and bond proceeds. “The proposed water rate increase to both member cities and nonmember entities is 5%,” Muncy said. She also told the council the tentative budget does not include an increase to Metro’s certified property tax rate; Metro’s current cap was described in the presentation as “triple 0 3 5” (0.0035).

Metro described three capital priorities that will be funded in part with the planned bond issuance: the Little Cottonwood Conduit Creek intake (a pipeline bringing Little Cottonwood Creek flow into the treatment plant), completion of the Cottonwoods Connection project (a replacement/redundancy segment of the Salt Lake Aqueduct), and design work for a rebuild of the Little Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant. Metro also highlighted ongoing O&M costs charged by partner agencies, including the Provo River Water Users Association and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.

Council members asked about risks and cost allocation. Council Member Zach Robinson asked whether recent federal funding cuts to Central Utah would affect Metro’s operations. “I don’t have exact numbers, and I can get those to you,” Muncy said, adding that she had met with Central Utah representatives who told Metro petitioners would likely not see immediate impacts to petitioner obligations this coming year because of repayment or crediting mechanisms at the state or federal level.

Council Member Cindy Sharkey asked how capital costs are apportioned between Sandy and Salt Lake City. Muncy said noncapacity replacement projects follow the interlocal split—about 28% Sandy and 72% Salt Lake City—and that capacity-driven costs (for larger pipes or added capacity) are charged to the city that requests or benefits from the extra capacity. She noted trustees appointed by the two cities discuss projects monthly and the board aims to balance infrastructure and affordability for both member cities.

Metro officials reviewed water supply sources — the Provo River Project (Deer Creek Reservoir), Little Cottonwood Creek rights, Central Utah Project allocations stored in Jordanelle and Strawberry Reservoir-derived (Utah Lake System) water — and described conveyance and storage assets including the Salt Lake Aqueduct and terminal reservoirs. Muncy said Metro owns two treatment plants (Little Cottonwood and part-ownership of Jordan Valley Water’s treatment plant in Bluffdale) and is a petitioner for Central Utah Project water.

Muncy summarized the budget revenue mix she presented: roughly 24% from water sales, 27% from bond proceeds, 20% from property taxes, and 17% miscellaneous (which includes reimbursements from Salt Lake City for Cottonwoods capital assessments). She also noted debt service principal and interest of about $24,000,000 in the plan and called out agency pass-through costs—Provo River Water Users Association O&M near $4.7–4.8 million and Central Utah-related costs in the multi‑million-dollar range.

No formal City Council action on the Metro budget was taken at the May 27 meeting; the presentation was provided for review and council questions. Muncy said Metro will return with more detailed figures as budgets are finalized and as certified property-tax rates are set later in June.

Looking ahead, the council will consider city budget hearings in coming weeks; Metro officials noted the agency will evaluate whether to increase or reestablish its certified tax rate in future years as capital needs — including the Little Cottonwood rebuild — materialize.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sandy - City Council on 2025-05-27 5:15 PM - May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Ann Lee Muncy, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy, presented Metro’s tentative fiscal year 2026 budget to the Sandy City Council on May 27, 2025, outlining proposed revenue changes, planned bond borrowing and major capital work in the Cottonwoods and at the Little Cottonwood treatment plant.","taxTitle","Sandy, Salt Lake County, Utah","taxId",2944,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527760,"Residents urge funding for Highland Drive EIS and raise waste, senior-center and communications concerns",246,2698000,2944000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533924-daa42e952a9cead88c10cc69d6fb61f4&start=2698&end=2944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533924-daa42e952a9cead88c10cc69d6fb61f4/thumbnail_2698000.jpg","/articles/6527760/Sandy/Salt-Lake-County/Utah/Residents-urge-funding-for-Highland-Drive-EIS-and-raise-waste-senior-center-and-communications-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527760-72630f26dd769fb51a1131819efbf7a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773700764&Signature=mKdGQvtfti-Sbg1dj4-lT1F5w9eawzgsbgGUmKSvxTd1XWV6ElDfwdZWlVWNxIWsvupJEhDG~i18LTT7UpgjnyPgUgOsByPXiZjKICt7Uvb-zjOG08nad9e1RMNB1UC3C5mUi0NxhhIzOp-RcmD7jRXA5RtwmoulpUPuRnq5r9x5f9HlTk4tPGdoFvZeeOuCaXk7HstCkXFLkaVZbrGzlPQ~S9yvSsUjWM~nL02y5kX0hz~74BOrxLfnhULEk4gPwb8wTkaojuPz5Z~XfL-i1vHHuYah-i~bmGMEZtSW-D6ldz-BlKBfPWkXRGSy6MVaMTCgx8AG4~bWhUUDTOBm9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents and a council member raised community concerns during the public‑comment period of the Sandy City Council meeting on May 27, 2025.

Chris Nickel, a resident who identified budget concerns, urged the council to restore funding for the Highland Drive environmental-impact study (EIS), which she said was removed from the city budget in 2023 and needs to be completed as congestion increases. Nickel also criticized an approximately $134,000 increase in the city communications budget and questioned city-branded items she said have featured the mayor’s photo and altered city logo elements; she asked the council to reconsider such spending and compliance with city policy.

A person identifying themself as a service ambassador reported two separate instances during the city’s bulk-waste period where contractors dumped yard waste and railroad ties on public streets in higher-elevation neighborhoods (Top of Wasatch and near Deer Hollow). The ambassador said they photographed one vehicle but did not capture license or contractor details and asked the council to note enforcement implications for bulk-waste rules.

Council Member Brooke D’Souza reported feedback from the Sandy Senior Center advisory board about the logistics of the returning glass-recycling dumpster. Advisory-board members and volunteers expressed concerns that the dumpster’s truck access and location in the amphitheater parking area create safety and cleanliness issues during events (including picnics and a car show in September) and could reduce participation. D’Souza also noted Charles Otis is retiring from the senior center and Cindy Delau will take over as point of contact.

These remarks were made as informational public comments; no council action on the EIS funding, communications budget items or dumpster location was recorded during the meeting. Council staff indicated follow-up on some items (for example, the senior-center dumpster logistics would involve conversations among staff and the amphitheater management).","During public comment at the May 27, 2025 Sandy City Council meeting residents asked the council to fund an environmental-impact study for Highland Drive, raised concerns about contractor dumping during bulk-waste collection, and reported logistics and cleanliness worries about a returning glass-recycling dumpster at the Sandy Senior Center.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527765,"Sandy Council adopts consent calendar; votes to close meeting for real-property discussion",1342,1682000,3024000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533924-daa42e952a9cead88c10cc69d6fb61f4&start=1682&end=3024","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533924-daa42e952a9cead88c10cc69d6fb61f4/thumbnail_1682000.jpg","/articles/6527765/Sandy/Salt-Lake-County/Utah/Sandy-Council-adopts-consent-calendar-votes-to-close-meeting-for-real-property-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527765-5682a75e61e0a313316fd3f6bc4d188d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773700764&Signature=e4PYwcm57SK-GSocJXQa-ZJJfVs88oI5GBzaso6B1u3Kqs18ppCWepK3coUPxYXPVUpOzGlWTbeSLs2YAF61-A8B-2RYyvZkuo39QxwrGXneMi4sCf8MGR80bH5OwwZaLzm~fmwdIQbxqYScWx6O7TianLK2LTHAEjYqGLlzumpdr~yqkkUf56OmgOt2uaGzQumNdLZhXFg3adOYymn60sL4mmlnmAiJSPnQFD7UAfX58MAqCph1fqq30X7jnyshRg4QUNg~baxuYBq28cUvk69g4yE6S4mtSkQj~qJcEqMIgydHomTkVjXsVHxEGBzdqyQEZsR1jDFFF6Os0JDNew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sandy City Council voted unanimously on two procedural matters during its May 27, 2025 meeting: the council adopted the consent calendar by voice vote and later approved a motion to close the meeting for a real-property discussion.

Erin DeKeyser, chair and at-large council member, moved to adopt the consent calendar; Council Member Bridal Meekum seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote with members saying “aye.” No roll-call tally was recorded for that consent action in the transcript.

Later in the meeting DeKeyser moved and Meekum seconded to close the public meeting “to discuss the purchase exchange or lease of real property and then to adjourn at the end of the closed session.” The council approved that motion on a roll-call vote. City staff recorded the roll call as follows: Erin DeKeyser — yes; Bridal Meekum — yes; Lisonbee Stroud — yes; Zach Robinson — yes; Marcy Hausman — yes; Brooke D’Souza — yes; Cindy Sharkey — yes. The clerk announced the motion passed, 7–0.

Both actions were procedural and did not themselves adopt ordinances or authorizations beyond the consent calendar items or the approved closed session. The council moved immediately into standing reports and then public comment before adjourning to a closed session.","At the May 27, 2025 Sandy City Council meeting the council unanimously adopted the consent calendar and voted 7–0 in a roll call to close the meeting for discussion of purchase/exchange/lease of real property.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Metro Water presents FY26 tentative budget; proposes 5% rate increase, issues bonds for Cottonwoods work

Residents urge funding for Highland Drive EIS and raise waste, senior-center and communications concerns

Sandy Council adopts consent calendar; votes to close meeting for real-property discussion