Manti reviews FY2026-27 budget draft; general fund about $15,500 short

City Manager Jason Brown presented the Manti City Council with a first draft of the FY2026-27 budget on May 13, saying the general fund is projected at roughly $3.6 million but is about $15,500 in the red in the current draft and must be balanced under state law.

Brown said enterprise funds (water, sewer, electric) are reviewed separately. He reported the water fund currently appears temporarily in the red because of delayed state reimbursement for water treatment plant expenses. He said the council should expect significant future sewer infrastructure funding needs and that the Utah Municipal Power Agency is projecting about a 13% increase in power-purchase costs, which could pressure electric rates. Brown said staff prefer smaller regular rate increases over a single large spike to manage long-term affordability.

On the fee schedule, Brown presented proposed adjustments including ATV run fees (proposed $225 first rider/$99 second rider), swimming pool pass increases (10-punch pass $36→$45; 20-punch pass $85; general admission $5) and proposed water base-rate increases (potential base rate to $35). He also noted a proposed sewer impact fee around $3,100 following a recent study. Councilmembers raised concerns about pool affordability for families and suggested exploring family discount nights or passes. Brown said the final fee schedule would be adjusted before adoption and the final proposed budget will be returned at the next council meeting.

The review was informational; council did not adopt the budget at this meeting and staff will return with a balanced proposal.