Council declines paid participation in Utah State well‑being survey for now

Highland City Councilors decided not to pay Highland’s share to participate in Utah State University’s statewide well‑being survey this year. City staff said the university’s survey collects general well-being and community-connection measures and has previously partnered with cities at no cost; funding changes now require a fee. The League of Cities and Towns would subsidize a portion; the fee to Highland would be either $800 for the base survey or $1,300 to add city-specific questions. Council discussion focused on what the university survey would add to Highland’s own, issue-specific city survey. Speakers questioned whether the statewide survey would yield actionable results and suggested the city could instead invest modest funds in additional community events or targeted outreach. Public safety and school representatives noted mental-health concerns in the community, but councilors favored waiting on the paid survey this year and reconsidering participation later. Staff recorded the council’s direction not to participate this year.