Council adopts FY25 budget amendment including a $3.9 million grant award

The Salt Lake City Council voted unanimously March 25 to adopt Ordinance Budget Amendment No. 4 for the 2024–25 fiscal year, which includes a grant award described by staff as “over $3,900,000.” Council closed the public hearing and adopted the ordinance by voice vote, recorded as 7 to 0.

Sylvia, a council policy analyst, told the council the amendment contains a single proposed adjustment: a grant award whose size requires council approval because it exceeds the holding account limit. “There is budget amendment number 4; it includes only one proposed amendment which is a grant for over 3,900,000.0,” Sylvia said, and referred members to the staff report and the council budget web page for additional detail.

During public comment, Ernie M., speaking as a commenter, urged the council to consider reallocating portions of general fund spending — including suggesting reductions in policing budgets — to community organizations serving vulnerable residents, including LGBTQ-focused groups. Ernie asked about oversight and accountability for how funds are spent and whether community groups would receive appropriations.

After public comment the council moved to adopt the ordinance. A council member reminded residents to watch for a separate public-utility mailing tied to a lead-remediation program and encouraged neighbors to use that resource; staff did not present additional implementing details for the grant within the public hearing.

The ordinance was adopted at the meeting and staff indicated the updated transmittal and staff report are posted on the council budget webpage. The council did not specify department implementation assignments, a detailed spending plan for the grant, or direct follow-up hearings on the item at the time of adoption.

Vote: ordinance amended and adopted, recorded 7-0.