Council adopts short‑term rental licensing but removes human‑trafficking training requirement, 5–2

The Page City Council adopted Ordinance 753‑26 on June 24, 2026, creating a short‑term rental licensing program. An initial motion to adopt the ordinance with a requirement that short‑term rental owners complete a human‑trafficking awareness course failed to secure a second; an alternate motion to adopt the licensing ordinance without the trafficking training requirement was moved by Councilor Farrell and seconded by Councilor Coogan and passed 5–2.

Supporters of the trafficking‑training requirement, including Councilor Rountree, argued the training is short (about 15–20 minutes) and helps owners recognize indicators of trafficking, noting county‑level outreach and conferences addressing the issue. Opponents and some councilors raised implementation concerns (out‑of‑town owners, enforcement limits) and urged focusing first on establishing a reliable local point of contact and licensing infrastructure. The city manager and city attorney’s office had earlier indicated the licensing program requires additional staff resources and software relative to a registration program.

Councilor Rountree emphasized neighborhood safety and said hotels were already required to train staff. Councilors Hammond and Rountree voted against the final motion removing the trafficking training requirement; the other five councilors voted to adopt the ordinance without that requirement.

The council did not change the fee schedule during the vote; some councilors raised questions about the $230 annual license fee that had been set previously and asked staff to revisit the fee calculations.