Bountiful council adopts tentative FY2026 budget, sets two public hearings

Bountiful City Council voted May 13 to adopt a tentative budget for fiscal year 2026 and to set public hearings for June 10 and June 24.

Galen Rasmussen, a city staff member presenting the budget overview, told councilors the process began in January and that the tentative budget will be available for public inspection between adoption and final adoption. The tentative budget includes a 5% cost-of-living adjustment for full-time city employees, merit increases where eligible, selected market adjustments and a one new position: an assistant golf superintendent. Rasmussen also said the budget shows no property tax increase is proposed for the coming fiscal year.

Rasmussen presented high-level fund summaries and said total sources and uses are balanced. He said the tentative budget includes an estimated 12% increase for medical insurance (staff noted that later insurer quotes are expected to lower that estimate to about 7% and that the final budget will be adjusted accordingly).

During public comment earlier in the meeting, resident Ron Mortensen asked whether the mayor qualifies for URS Tier 1 retirement and whether the increased mayoral salary included in the budget represents a 16% rise. Gary (staff) responded that URS determines tier eligibility and that the mayor was identified as Tier 1 because of prior employment that made the mayor eligible; staff said the mayor’s compensation change would be $1,500 per month under the recommended adjustment.

Council member Lloyd (mover) made the motion to adopt the tentative budget for public inspection and to set the June 10 and June 24 public hearings; the council approved the motion unanimously.

Staff said the June 10 meeting will consider utility-transfer amendments related to the light-and-power fund, and the June 24 meeting will include final budget adoption, any reopening of FY2025 adjustments and consideration of compensation for employees including executive municipal officers.