Payson Council adopts budget amendments, sets proposed tax ceiling, approves library updates and telecom franchise; community awards and project updates noted

The Payson City Council on June 18 completed a full meeting after a preceding work session, taking a series of routine and substantive actions and noting several community presentations.

Major votes and adopted items - Budget amendments: Council approved the final fiscal‑year 2024–25 budget amendments intended to provide cushion in department budgets and to accommodate timing and vendor invoices. Staff said the adjustments include capital fund transfers, recreation and seasonal staffing expenses, police and justice court bank charges, cemetery and parks adjustments, and a sewer department dump truck purchase. - Proposed tax rate ceiling: The council adopted a resolution establishing a ceiling for the proposed certified tax rate to cover projected debt service tied to a proposed fire‑station bond. Staff presented a hypothetical example: on a $403,500 home the suggested rate would add about $45 per year assuming a roughly $5 million bond; the county provided certified‑rate numbers that set the legal ceiling for the council’s public process. - Library code and policy changes: Council adopted amendments to the Payson City Code (Title 11.12) to align local library rules with state law and adopted new library policies that clarify appeals routes for patrons (library board review and, if requested, review by the city attorney). - First Digital Telecom franchise: Council approved a 10‑year franchise agreement with First Digital Telecom for use of public utility corridors; the agreement can automatically renew and includes termination provisions. - Utility bad‑debt write‑off: Council authorized the treasurer to write off $73,643.74 in uncollectible utility accounts (see separate coverage in this package).

Community highlights and staff updates - Miss Payson: Adri Rodgers, the city’s newly crowned Miss Payson for 2025, presented her platform “Face Everything and Rise” and promoted the Here Comes the Sun Rock Festival on June 27–28. - Business of the Month: The chamber presented Parlor Luxury Salon (owner Britney Tuckett) as May’s business of the month. - UDOT interchange update: UDOT and city staff briefed the council on the Nebo Beltway/I‑15 interchange design (see separate coverage); UDOT said a 30% geometry review is complete and construction of major elements is planned in 2027–28 subject to funding and partner approvals. - Sewer treatment plant: Staff reported the oxidation ditch and large concrete structures are in place; equipment installation and building work continue and the project remains on schedule. - SR‑198 restriping: Staff said UDOT will restripe SR‑198 near 1900 South to add a turn pocket; the work will take place at night and staff continue to pursue signalization and longer‑term safety improvements.

Votes at a glance (formal roll calls and outcomes) 1) Motion: Approve consent agenda (minutes, monthly financial information, victim services report). Outcome: Approved (roll call: all present voted yes). 2) Motion: Open and then close public hearing for FY 2024–25 budget amendments and adopt the amendments. Outcome: Budget amendments adopted (roll call: Councilor Christiansen — yes; Councilor Hulett — yes; Councilor Rowley — yes; Councilor Moss — yes; Councilor Hyatt — yes). 3) Motion: Adopt proposed certified tax rate ceiling as presented. Outcome: Approved (roll call: Christiansen — yes; Hulett — yes; Rowley — yes; Moss — yes; Hyatt — yes). 4) Motion: Authorize the treasurer to write off uncollectible utility accounts ($73,643.74). Outcome: Approved (roll call: Christiansen — yes; Hulett — yes; Rowley — yes; Moss — yes; Hyatt — yes). 5) Motion: Adopt amendments to Payson City Code Title 11.12 (library). Outcome: Approved (roll call: unanimous among present councilors). 6) Motion: Adopt library policies (appeal process and related rules). Outcome: Approved (roll call: unanimous among present councilors). 7) Motion: Approve First Digital Telecom franchise agreement (10‑year term). Outcome: Approved (roll call: unanimous among present councilors).

What’s next Staff said they will return with cost estimates for interchange betterments, refine design coordination with UDOT and partner agencies, continue construction of the sewer plant, and report on the financial and policy effects of the reinstated utility deposit and other collection strategies.