Layton unveils tentative FY2025–26 budget; council weighs using RAMP funds for pool dome and wave machine timing

Layton City's finance director presented the council with the tentative FY2025–26 budget on May 1, outlining a general fund of about $49.9 million and a total citywide budget near $128 million that includes utilities. The tentative budget anticipates $3.1M in personnel adjustments and nearly $23.8M in capital projects, and will proceed to a public hearing on June 5 and final adoption prior to June 22.

Tracy (finance director) explained two scenarios for RAMP (recreation access and maintenance program) funding depending on the outcome of a local election measure. The staff proposal would consider using RAMP funding to cover the $1.1 million surf‑and‑swim dome replacement project, which would otherwise be budgeted to the general fund. Using RAMP funds for the dome would reduce pressure on the general fund balance (projected to be ~13% without the pool project and about 10.5% with the project in the general fund).

Separately, Parks and Recreation staff and council discussed the timing for installation of a new wave machine that is on the approved RAMP list. Staff proposed a budget amendment to pull the wave machine forward into the current fiscal year to allow ordering and installation during this season; doing so would require only a small deposit ($20,000) in the current year, with the remainder expended next fiscal year. Council members emphasized supply chain timing and the operational window for installation while the pool bubble is off.

The tentative budget also highlights major city capital work including an emergency communications/dispatch center, streets and parks projects and utility capital projects identified in the 5‑year plan. Staff said there is no general obligation debt; recent borrowing for fiber and other items is program‑specific. The council set a public hearing on the tentative budget for June 5; final adoption is scheduled in mid‑June.