[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6217723,"mediaKeyId","3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9","parentId",3643080,"title","Council members ask about Ogden Canyon property purchases and pipeline constructability","audioSeconds",149,"startMs",6361000,"endMs",6510000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9&start=6361&end=6510","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9/thumbnail_6361000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6217723/Utah/Council-members-ask-about-Ogden-Canyon-property-purchases-and-pipeline-constructability","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217723-4c760b8c20bb15639c8516ca27d73f59/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137113&Signature=hW9pAc7zKUrsdi26unxQZMGjXsLSYy1UgmtNl67SNtQx9LyTQ40tkeAo3xA6hT81-VFZj5FwaVVwX7f-4u6ASmo9mDJpjBayDW2yBQziNTgfoGMCwYp6E78kIG3x6XKIDkYe-vPsH5woWPIGqCl~vA682Z7x363spUdISwRMJ-ZOCAHASuww8GvtkXyNxKj4WqH9kfiKiKGtbedNKy6bgWTWLEwW~A2AqUJpQ6H7MvNZfsQr97qriICvX5s-nWNn40r~INtBN7X0kl91C2cQKst5DIhiTEX-oBOREKj0dGst4buOVvNuDr3PrWIzOvABcZ6~ORfpTXYUBnRps7VC6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-03T21:56:46Z","article","During council business on June 3, members asked why Ogden City acquired properties in Ogden Canyon and how the purchases relate to a multi-inch waterline replacement project.

A council member said constituents had asked about the purchase of the Mike Bachman property near the water-treatment plant and where city money came from. Staff responded that the purchases came from the water utility fund and were strategic acquisitions to stage work and protect critical infrastructure related to the 24-inch and 36-inch waterlines that convey water through the canyon.

Staff described the canyon as constrained in places; where the line sits close to private structures, constructability becomes difficult. “That 36-inch waterline is probably 30 feet and equal in height to their second story bathroom window,” a staff member said, explaining why property acquisition and careful staging are necessary.

Council members asked about the city’s historic rights to the old Bamburger rail corridor through the canyon. Staff said Ogden City obtained rights for the old rail line in 1932 but noted the ownership and corridor footprint vary by segment; staff said they are working through encroachments and other constraints along the corridor.

Staff also noted other technical issues, such as private septic and drain lines that may cross or interact with the new alignment, requiring property-owner coordination and careful engineering. To reduce construction risk, the city has engaged a construction-management/general-contractor (CMGC) approach with an experienced contractor to assist in planning and buildability.

No formal action was taken; council members asked to be kept informed about property acquisitions, right-of-way status and the project timeline as design and permitting progress.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ogden City Council Work Session - June 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Councilors asked staff to explain recent purchases of canyon parcels tied to a multi-inch waterline project, the city's ownership of a historic rail right‑of‑way, and how the city plans to work with private property owners on encroachments and constructability challenges.","taxTitle","South Ogden City Council, South Ogden , Weber County, Utah","taxId",24541,"location","Utah","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":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6217728,"Administration outlines schedule-a-1 budget adjustments including FAA match and radio funding",66,4569000,4635000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9&start=4569&end=4635","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9/thumbnail_4569000.jpg","/articles/6217728/Utah/Administration-outlines-schedule-a-1-budget-adjustments-including-FAA-match-and-radio-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217728-5546cf1bf7ea6601f0b85b45d0d15afe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137113&Signature=PnQplOb9BvP6nkRwM61REbbyLo6seMpG-16HyashkxXdpfZMtz8Z3L~6FPKGk1by-xs3mbNCiTkBm11tuCAGuCfnKR~9qNRhaog0WsOtVSg4e3bXioWpIaOc~G6IeTinD7O7eZEot5RQEOIwrX4qEnxUzlg99SlMkxOjHK2AAnkZwzXcxRVHfHBf2hK9Ktqs37WX1B0YWi2gALCjGO2uDEUVLEVMKL3yGSMPMvIxlke~Ds8EDU4Y~sR5O7wRNogYwZv9T6nMo8N~SjkJQ2M2O7y6RXhFpfTGlmcEflZ8t~-eYOEwcNHZ4HUUXhzA9e0feRmI87GBhjXGvdlMvcrmSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the June 3 work session staff outlined a set of schedule-a-1 adjustments to the tentative budget that administrators plan to bring to the council for final consideration.

Justin, a staff member, described multiple line-item adjustments. Notable changes included a $32,000 local match to an airport baggage carousel project; the total carousel cost is roughly $315,000, and staff said the Federal Aviation Administration would cover about 90% of the eligible costs. Administration proposed covering the city match by reducing general-fund contingency and transferring the funds to the airport fund.

Staff also identified a $41,000 need in the Fleet & Facilities fund to finish a public-safety radio replacement. Administration said about $152,000 of ARPA funds had already been applied, leaving an approximate $41,000 shortfall; the proposal is to transfer contingency to cover that amount.

Other adjustments include recognizing scheduled payments to the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) special-purpose entity (an annual amount staff cited as $104,004.75) and a $100,000 increase in HOME program match funding required after a waiver change; staff proposed moving that added match from the housing budget into the grants fund.

Staff said the utility refuse and storm funds contained an accounting swap to correct an earlier line-item placement in the notice (no net budget change). The presentation also included routine true-ups of grant-related budgets to align with final HUD annual action-plan numbers.

Council members asked questions about funding sources and whether contingency transfers were appropriate. No formal votes occurred; staff said they would produce an updated schedule-a-1 document for the council's review that reflects the changes discussed.","City administration presented proposed schedule-a-1 adjustments for the tentative budget that include a $32,000 city match for an airport baggage carousel grant, payments tied to a New Markets Tax Credit structure, and a $41,000 transfer to finish public-safety radio replacement.",{"_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":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6217733,"Council backs exploring partnerships, $25–30K pilot to repair Ogden trails",596,3699000,4295000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9&start=3699&end=4295","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9/thumbnail_3699000.jpg","/articles/6217733/Utah/Council-backs-exploring-partnerships-2530K-pilot-to-repair-Ogden-trails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217733-311867b63b8a23ca5187b54c05ce1b0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137113&Signature=jGoyDCf44mJ17ZyMob4GEsDu2yWi5p5xuwEZ8kWX29ftSbjmJvZWWlgrWDrVjMbZ5J37AMmTO7zM-OGa28XZPYs9tt65w4X1lMTBZRuXEu-~-FerJsqBRaqOGRt928TTgl6vfkjkk7ssYV3QsMglnh9q-T1ktxALR-vPdI9IPcObq1h6YVJRF0KnlO2nD0iGcydVofO2ihMK31MkQN~2cxBOMihOEwOdkvv2GDh0CIZej-oAMJmafMsLLvQt3Uh1T4EoOtjtmiHEsBxaEffsWCsWru~SzNhTHrpswwzG1o~WWGp6F-~Dt~jfSTDTJMHivpUDwVW-YbuYEjb99j-7gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members on June 3 discussed using community partners instead of hiring a new city position to address trail maintenance and improvements across Ogden.

Council member Graff described meetings with Eric Manning, executive director of TFNU (formerly Weber Pathways), and said the mayor supports leveraging existing trail organizations to maintain and improve trails. “I went and spent an hour and a half with Eric Manning… He was excited about the whole idea,” Graff said.

Graff and staff discussed potential models: a small initial allocation this year to fund pilot work, followed by a process in which organizations propose work, receive a grant or contract, and return with a report on outcomes in subsequent years. Justin, a staff member, said administration discussions produced a potential initial budget range of $25,000–$30,000 for the first year, and noted the city could fund the line with projected higher interest income.

Council members and staff emphasized the need to define measurable outcomes and priorities — for example, selecting high-use trails or family-friendly, low-technical terrain — and to protect relationships with private property owners who border trails. Graff suggested organizations such as TFNU and Ogden Trails Network (OTN) could present proposals describing scope and measurable results.

Some council members proposed a larger aspirational number (Graff mentioned $100,000 as a hypothetical ceiling), but the immediate unanimous direction was to initiate conversations, invite proposals from partner groups and include an initial modest allocation in schedule-a-1 for the budget.

Staff said the council could also set criteria such as a one-year pilot, a required report to the council on outcomes and measurable success, and the option to scale funding in subsequent budgets based on demonstrated results.","Council members supported pursuing partnerships with local trail nonprofits and setting aside a small initial budget (staff estimated $25,000–$30,000) to begin trail maintenance work, with ideas to evaluate proposals and require annual reporting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6217738,"Council discusses raising general employee merit increase to 2%; estimated $200,000 cost",63,1472000,1535000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9&start=1472&end=1535","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9/thumbnail_1472000.jpg","/articles/6217738/Utah/Council-discusses-raising-general-employee-merit-increase-to-2-estimated-200000-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217738-0f6101821bd7f78e88266b24cc4652d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137113&Signature=PdKQcqz1oNPMzAfKPF~h2firQYOaT3HbcJJbT~4dw~b4KBpVHWz7Jqc5R4uEogLeFYgFQRKILkVfk8j6rgpTsG0i8XfbBF2gHzY~sBfWabEGe6biou1HMgZKO4s27ogiEH8HWlQCwsO5oE5RcDneQBYR5ctHu0ylZntbdFDVqM3aDMB-BDCoDWHVS~lF2rq-43V5pLYNgXAiEyUPOL3w737rlnX6Ez8z98-IJTTeGU8zEdmj5WsWD4Gu-6~GnJWzwBryG4iq8t15~uGRuEnRxOc-hNHFSD1np9RFMeShW6KJQUOy2AjyZKL9MP3~PjGzHLzE0eYF5mpKUmqT79sI2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ogden City Council members debated whether to increase the proposed merit pool for general employees from 1.5% to 2% during a June 3 work session.

Council members raised the proposal as part of the budget schedule-a-1 considerations; staff estimated the recurring cost at roughly $200,000, about $120,000 to the general fund and $80,000 across other funds.

Council member Glenn introduced the item and said the increase would place the city in the middle of peer cities’ recent compensation moves. Janine, a staff member who compiled comparative data, said the 2% merit would keep the city “in the middle of the range of everybody else.”

Several council members supported the modest increase as a way to avoid larger catch-up raises later. One council member noted the recurring nature of the change and cautioned that a higher base compounds each year. “This is gonna be something that occurs now and forever,” the council member said, urging the council to weigh long-term effects.

Staff confirmed the city also includes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for employees — 2.97% this cycle — that adds to the total compensation change when combined with merit. Public safety employees receive a separate schedule of steps; staff and council compared the resulting combined increases for sworn public-safety employees (about 6.97% with COLA and step increases) with the proposed general-staff totals.

Council members asked for more analysis of long-term impacts and how turnover and retirement patterns factor into compensation strategy. Staff recommended moving the item to the formal schedule-a-1 list for budget adoption and offered to supply multi-year fiscal impacts.

No formal vote was taken at the work session; the council indicated general support to include the 2% merit option for further consideration in the schedule-a-1 budget adjustments.","Ogden City Council members questioned whether to increase the proposed 1.5% merit pool for general employees to 2%, a recurring cost estimated at about $200,000 split between the general fund and other funds.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6217743,"Ogden City staff explain $7 million in proposed utility transfers to general fund",185,417000,602000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9&start=417&end=602","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643080-2d8b189fbb2bd977c2a081a9ba030ed9/thumbnail_417000.jpg","/articles/6217743/Utah/Ogden-City-staff-explain-7-million-in-proposed-utility-transfers-to-general-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217743-8f81f770aab3cea9c612662078fefa3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137113&Signature=b6pJ09lQ5l7XVs6tWjuvQ1ZlP2FtUKhjI1yi0Dc8qdA~mP4VRBJraBFUjFKgzTQ-zYW4kgMW1RXtQ~Ev5XgfWmyQuJNm8RzE-kK6elj~B3lnnR2kyxbytcJg6IbjRzJb~9V2WAsIqk2T3wgSBmEQYac7uiyk4sMzSeAQy1uh2v31Qz6soUKDk5yLVnzUeAJjtA3YnKvqf4b91AuHP5IkPKq6GFc5Cilpe0uhlxtnTmKR6bjS2v2SsogZG2a4gXq9Di7op0Qlwqk8csqACxE-mRuQQJeZzqPjtCZdZNMTl6aQv5Q~Z0a2t7tPyGEbjJ6TcnUfkn~j8d9jWw8teNZ9vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ogden City officials explained at a June 3 City Council work session that the tentative 2026 budget proposes transferring just over $7,000,000 from four enterprise utility funds into the city’s general fund.

The transfers are part of the budget proposal the council will consider later, and staff said state rules require notice to utility customers when the city proposes moving money out of enterprise funds.

City staff described the transfers as a long-established mechanism. “We do request in that utility transfer, which is equivalent to a 12% transfer,” Justin, a staff member presenting the item, said. He added the city also collects a 5% administrative fee to offset centralized costs such as legal, human resources and payroll.

The nut of the policy is that these enterprise funds — water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and refuse — are intended to be self-supporting through user fees. Staff said the 12% transfer is calculated on user-fee revenues for the year, not on total budgeted expenditures, because some funds budget use of prior-year fund balance for capital projects. That calculation produced the $7 million notice figure for the four utilities combined.

City staff put the transfers in budget context: the general fund proposed budget is just under $95,000,000, of which about $7,000,000 would come from the utilities. Property tax revenue is projected at roughly $23,000,000 and sales tax about $27,000,000. The staff presentation included an example: the water fund transfer of about $3,400,000 represented roughly 9.44% of the water fund’s total expenditure budget, because the 12% is measured against annual user-fee revenue, not total expenditures.

Council members asked for background on the practice. Staff said Ogden has used similar transfers for many years and that the state began requiring public notice of such proposed transfers about 11 years ago. Staff also noted the transfers act as a payment in lieu of franchise and property taxes that would otherwise be charged to privately owned utilities; because the city owns the utilities, those taxes are not collected directly from them.

Several council members raised equity and policy questions. One council member noted that because a sizable portion of the city’s land area is tax-exempt — including government, institutional and nonprofit parcels — shifting part of municipal funding to user fees spreads the cost to every property that receives utility service. Staff said approximately 12% of parcels are tax-exempt but they account for a larger share of the geographic area.

Council members also asked whether the practice and the fixed-percentage approach should be revisited, given recent water-rate increases and ongoing infrastructure needs. “Maybe it’s not the percent,” one council member said, suggesting alternatives such as a flat fee or periodic adjustment to the percentage. Staff replied the structure is ultimately a policy decision and recommended the council could direct staff to analyze options and long-term impacts.

Staff emphasized that approval or denial of the transfers would occur when the council adopts the budget; today's discussion and the mailed notice are part of the required process.

The council did not take formal action on the transfers at the work session. Staff said they would include the transfers as noticed in the budget documents and could provide further analysis if the council requested it.","At a June 3 work session, city staff outlined why Ogden City proposes transferring just over $7 million from four utility enterprise funds into the general fund as part of the tentative budget and explained the required public notice and accounting details.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council members ask about Ogden Canyon property purchases and pipeline constructability

Administration outlines schedule-a-1 budget adjustments including FAA match and radio funding

Council backs exploring partnerships, $25–30K pilot to repair Ogden trails

Council discusses raising general employee merit increase to 2%; estimated $200,000 cost

Ogden City staff explain $7 million in proposed utility transfers to general fund