Layton council approves tentative budget, park contract, wastewater plan and Komac land‑for‑water deal

The Layton City Council on May 7 adopted a consent package that set a public hearing on the city’s tentative fiscal 2026–27 budget and approved several resolutions covering parks, wastewater planning and a land‑for‑water exchange.

Finance staff presented the tentative budget, which shows the general fund just over $49.8 million — about a 2.7% increase from the prior year — and a citywide budget of roughly $140.5 million driven largely by utility and capital projects. Staff said the proposal does not include a property tax increase and that the council will hold a public hearing on the tentative budget on June 4, with final adoption expected after a likely continuation to June 18. Tracy Probert, who presented the budget, said staff anticipates modest sales‑tax growth (2–3%) and flagged planned capital spending including a second payment on a multi‑year fire ladder truck acquisition and about $26 million in capital projects.

The tentative budget includes utility‑related rate changes: a proposed $3 monthly increase in the city sewer rate (bringing the city portion to about $40 per month) and an anticipated additional North Davis Sewer District increase next year that staff estimate will push the combined sewer bill toward about $43. Garbage and recycling rates would also change under the proposal: first can +$2.35, second can +$1.75 and recycling +$0.50, with staff attributing some of the change to passthroughs from Wasatch Integrated and Waste Management.

Also on consent, the council awarded the Andy Adams Park Improvements contract to Gladwell Construction (low responsive bid of $379,819) for new restrooms, accessible pathways, lighting and irrigation. Staff noted the full project budget — partly funded through a RAMP grant — is larger once consultant fees, equipment purchases and camera/light pole procurement are included.

The council adopted the city’s required 2025 Municipal Wastewater Planning Program annual report, which staff said estimates system replacement costs near $400 million, covers about 255 miles of pipe, and lists roughly $24 million of projected capital improvements in the city’s 20‑year capital plan. Staff reported no reportable sanitary sewer overflows for 2025.

Finally, the council approved Resolution 26‑24 authorizing a land conveyance from Komac (about 0.41 acres) to the city in exchange for up to 12 acre‑feet of water exaction credit to serve Komac’s proposed new facility. Steve Jackson said the city will retain the underlying water shares/rights and simply assign the use of up to 12 acre‑feet to the development when it is complete; council members asked clarifying questions on meter sizing and whether the water is used for manufacturing or landscaping.

All four items were approved on the consent calendar in a single motion. The council set the public hearing on the tentative budget for June 4, 2026.