Bountiful council refines economic development purpose, stresses sales-tax growth and cautious use of city resources

City Manager Gary Hill presented a draft purpose statement and guiding principles at the Bountiful City Council March 24 work session and asked the council to confirm that the draft matched their priorities. "Economic development ensures the city has the stable and sufficient revenue needed to provide high quality public services," Hill read, adding that stronger local business activity "expands the range of businesses and amenities available to residents, enhances community vitality and livability, and supports the long term success of local businesses."

Council members endorsed the overall language but pressed staff to make two points clearer: that economic development is an ongoing, iterative process and that the city’s approach should protect the existing sales-tax base while pursuing measured growth. The mayor proposed…