Sunset council approves FY2026 final budget; includes COLA, new positions, public‑works projects and UDOT betterment payment
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Summary
Sunset City Council adopted its fiscal 2026 final budget June 17, approving a 5% cost‑of‑living raise for employees, funding for new public‑works and police positions, $30,000 in park upgrades and an estimated $489,958.23 of UDOT betterment work to be reimbursed to the state in installments.
Sunset City Council adopted the fiscal year 2026 final budget on June 17, approving a 5% cost‑of‑living increase for city employees, funding for additional staff and vehicles, and capital projects tied to local roadwork and park upgrades.
City staff outlined highlights during the council meeting: a 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for all employees totaling approximately $84,910; $1,200 in unallocated donations (limited to $200 per request); general‑fund growth of $329,530 and a utility‑fund increase of $79,070 compared with 2025. Capital items included partial city shares (presented as 50% of certain costs) for a full‑time deputy recorder, a desktop computer for administration, two police vehicles, the addition of an 11th police officer, portions of a GoGov communications system, and funding for two new public‑works employees. Park upgrades were set at $30,000 (the previously discussed $25,000 reallocation plus $5,000).
The presentation also described special‑fund projects: a data assessment of city roads, the 50% cost of a slurry‑seal project on 800 North shared with Clearfield City, benches and tables for parks, resurfacing at Rachel Runyon Park, pickleball nets and upgrades to the Sunset Room, and remaining planning services from the prior year.
Staff told the council that, as part of a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) project on 1800 North, UDOT will complete utility work while the city must reimburse UDOT for 100% of betterment work under Utah Code 72‑2‑6(1)(16) (as described in the meeting). Staff reported UDOT’s estimated betterment cost at $489,958.23 to be paid in three installments, with a first payment of $195,985 charged to this fiscal year.
The budget passed after a roll‑call vote that recorded one dissenting vote. Council member Jason E. Thompson voted no; other recorded council votes on the motion were yes. City staff and council members did not record any amendments to the final budget during the meeting.
Council members noted that some capital projects overlap with UDOT and neighboring Clearfield City work; one council member asked whether a slurry seal label should be corrected to chip seal in the documents, and staff clarified the treatment sequence.
The resolution (2025‑14) adopting the FY2026 final budget was approved and the council moved on to adopt the certified tax rate later in the meeting.