Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Laa topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Former ULCT director accuses League of fundraising and lobbying conflicts; supporters defend LAA program
Summary
Ken Bullock, a former ULCT executive director, told the board the League should not seek state money for services it provides and urged limits on lobbying for large donors; other commenters and board members defended the Local Administrative Advisor program and described its value to small and rural cities.
At the public hearing on the Utah League of Cities and Towns’ FY27 tentative budget, former League executive director Ken Bullock told the board he had submitted written comments and raised several concerns about the League’s finances and fundraising.
Bullock said the League previously capped Salt Lake City's dues at about $180,000 and questioned higher figures reflected in the packet. He urged the board to create more regular public‑comment opportunities and to adopt a policy "prohibiting the League from lobbying on behalf of donors over $2,500," saying it would reduce perceived conflicts. Bullock also criticized capital spending on office renovation and the League’s fundraising efforts, calling it "morally bankrupt" to seek state funds for work the League has historically provided.
Several speakers and board members pushed back. Liam Trillium, a former League employee who ran the local administrative advisor program, called the LAA work "pound for pound, dollar for dollar, probably the best investment the state has ever made," and said in his years at the League he had not observed the organization lobbying on behalf of donors. Multiple board members — including mayors and councilmembers representing small and rural communities — described the LAA program as essential for towns that lack staff capacity, noting it helps rural cities comply with laws and complete planning and infrastructure projects.
The public hearing closed after several comments; the board then proceeded to adopt the FY27 budget. The claims about dues, donations and lobbying were raised publicly but not resolved with documentary evidence during the meeting.
The League did not take formal action on any of Bullock's specific policy proposals during the meeting; staff and board members said they would continue the conversation and that written materials had been provided to the board for review.
