Public commenters press council on prior tax increase and file complaint about council chair conduct

Public comment at the May 20, 2025 Sandy City Council meeting included an official complaint filed against the council chair for conduct at a prior meeting, and remarks urging the council to continue fiscal caution following a property‑tax increase last year.

Tim Gibson delivered a written complaint to the council alleging “disgraceful conduct” by Chair Aaron DeKeyser during an April 29 meeting and said he left 12 printed copies with council staff. Gibson said the complaint references the recorded meeting footage and asked the council to explain how it will prevent similar incidents.

Craig Ulrich spoke in the virtual comment period on taxes and budgeting. Ulrich said the mayor initially proposed a 32% property‑tax increase in fiscal year 2024–25, and he praised the council for negotiating an outcome “just under 15%.” Ulrich cited a Western Region core inflation index change of 2.1% (April‑to‑April) and told the council he expects the 15% increase will carry the city for several years but urged continued care in spending decisions. He told the council the extra property‑tax revenue collected in November equaled roughly $1.8 million, according to the city’s finance department.

Other general comments included requests to continue printed city newsletters for seniors; multiple commenters asked for a printed mailout or combined mailing with the monthly water report so residents without internet access can receive city news.

Council members and staff acknowledged the comments and said the administration will follow up as appropriate. The complaint Gibson left with staff will be handled according to existing complaint processes; the transcript records the submission but does not record any staff finding or next steps at the meeting.