Pleasant Grove reviews FY2026 budget draft, highlights pay increases, staffing requests and major capital priorities

Pleasant Grove city leaders on Tuesday reviewed the administration’s draft fiscal year 2026 budget, which recommends a combined 5.05% personnel pay increase, new and expanded positions, and a slate of capital projects led by a proposed $1.5 million Battle Creek Trailhead parking and trailhead improvement.

The mayor and finance staff told the City Council the draft anticipates about $345,000 in additional sales-tax revenue and roughly $125,000 from new property (from new construction), and that those increases are the main drivers of the administration’s revenue outlook. “We’re anticipating about another $345,000 in new money,” the mayor said. Staff also reported an unbalanced gap of about $255,819 in the current draft that they expect to close with subsequent revenue updates and internal allocations before adoption.

Why it matters: the administration framed the proposal as an early, nonfinal recommendation the council can revise. City staff asked the council to review materials and return to the budget work session on March 18 for more detailed questions and possible adjustments; “Nothing’s final by the time we’re done today,” the mayor said.

Key budget proposals and personnel items

- Pay increases: The administration recommended citywide merit and cost-of-living increases that together total 5.05% (2.35% merit and 2.7% cost-of-living), applied to full- and part-time wages. Staff described the 2.35% merit step as adopted for police and fire and extended citywide.

- New and changed positions: The draft includes funding to convert a part-time special-events/PR function into a full-time role focused on public relations and social-media outreach (staff said the position would be filled via internal recruitment). Staff emphasized the role is intended to increase the city’s social media and community profiles rather than act as a traditional public information officer. The administration also proposed hiring one additional full-time fire inspector and several part-time positions, including custodial staff primarily assigned to Cook Family Park.

- Employee benefits and retention: Staff proposed a 2% employer match to a 401(k) program and budgeted approximately $139,500 for that match based on an assumption that 75% of employees would participate. Councilmembers asked for details about vesting rules and eligibility, and staff said they would return with implementation options and eligibility criteria. The council also discussed the city’s vacation cap (currently 168 hours, changed from 120 during COVID) and asked staff to prepare a pro/con analysis and cost estimate for any change.

Program and operating requests

- Miss Pleasant Grove/pageant funding: The Miss Pleasant Grove organization requested supplemental operational funding — staff said the pageant currently receives $25,000 and requested an additional $5,000 for operations and a $10,000 request to establish a teen program. The administration’s recommendation did not include the additional funding; councilmembers asked staff to obtain a detailed written breakdown of how the funds are used, how many participants benefit and whether Linden or other jurisdictions contribute to the program.

- Float chassis: Pageant organizers also requested one-time capital funding of roughly $25,000 to replace the nonworking chassis for the Miss Pleasant Grove parade float; staff placed that item in the capital supplemental summary and recommended further discussion.

Major capital priorities and projects

- Battle Creek Trailhead: Staff identified the Battle Creek Trailhead and parking improvements as the top capital priority. The concept budget attached to the draft lists a total project budget of about $1.5 million to grade the site, add curb, gutter, sidewalk, asphalt and retaining wall work; staff recommended splitting funding between the general fund and CARE (local sales-tax-funded) funds.

- Downtown planning grant (MAG): The city was offered a $125,000 downtown revitalization grant from MAG (Mountainland Association of Governments), which requires a roughly $9,500 local match. Staff recommended accepting the grant and said they would work with MAG and local business/property owners to refine scope and implementation; the grant is intended for consultant-led planning and business engagement rather than capital purchases such as benches or grates.

- Main Street poles and banners, marquee and other capital items: The draft includes a capital estimate of about $244,000 to install permanent poles for lights and banners on Main Street, and staff reported updated marquee costs (two marquees at about $45,000 each including electrical work). Staff characterized the budget numbers as cost estimates that would be refined and likely go to bid.

- Other projects: The draft lists funding requests for the rec center roof membrane replacement, a retaining wall at Manila Creek Pond’s walking path (recommended to come from CARE funds), library furniture replacement (~$60,000 requested), and other smaller capital and operational requests.

Council direction and next steps

Councilmembers asked staff for more granular documentation on several items, including the Miss Pleasant Grove budget breakdown and Linden’s contribution; more detail on the proposed full-time events/PR position and whether it consolidates existing part-time or contract resources; a cost/benefit analysis of a 401(k) vesting schedule; and a design-level scope and cost estimate for the Battle Creek Trailhead project. Staff agreed to return with the requested details at the March 18 work session.

Formal action

At the close of the work session, Councilman Jenson moved to adjourn and Councilman Williams seconded the motion; the council voted to adjourn the session.

What remains uncertain

Staff characterized the draft as a working document and said several estimates remain incomplete, including dental and property/liability insurance renewals and the final amount of administrative allocations from enterprise funds. The administration expects to present a balanced tentative budget by May 1.