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Town staff presents trail expansion plan and tentative budget, including wage proposal
Summary
At its April 19, 2023 work session the Town of Snowflake heard staff proposals to expand trails between 7th S and Paper Mill Road and reviewed tentative budget figures that include a proposed 5% wage increase (or $1.50 per hour minimum) for employees; council asked staff for follow-up details.
Brian Richards, a town staff member, presented preliminary plans April 19 at a Town of Snowflake work session to expand trail connections between 7th S and Paper Mill Road and to add more natural park space near the bike park.
Richards said he has been talking with property owners in the area and that feedback has been positive. He told the council that "the town can get a lot done on trails projects for half a million dollars a year." Councilmembers expressed a favorable view of expanding the trail system and asked Richards to return with firm project ideas for consideration at a future council meeting.
Richards also handed out tentative budget figures and described consultations with department heads. He said Wal-Mart revenues have "really boosted revenue over time." He outlined the town's near-term debt timeline, saying the town's current main debt will be paid off in August, that the pool represents the next major debt obligation, and that there remains about four years of debt service on the Snowflake Fire Station.
On personnel costs, Richards proposed a wage adjustment for town employees: a 5% wage increase or $1.50 per hour, whichever is larger, to be considered by the council as part of the budget process. Richards presented department budgeting history and needs and noted joint services with the nearby Town of Taylor as a cost-sharing arrangement the town values.
During the discussion councilmembers welcomed increases proposed for the library, asked about possible renovations to the police department building on Main Street, and reminded staff not to forget plans for a nighttime driving range. The council did not take formal action on any item at the work session; members asked staff to bring back more detailed proposals and clarifications before formal consideration at a regular council meeting.
Present at the work session were Mayor Byron Lewis; councilmembers Kerry Ballard, Lora Jones, JoAnne Guderian, Joe Bjornn and Greg Brimhall; and staff members Brian Richards and Katie Melser. The meeting opened at 6:05 p.m. and adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
