Price City Council approves compensation ordinance, sets tentative budget hearing and adopts multiple resolutions

Price City’s council met June 10 and approved a slate of fiscal and operational measures, including an ordinance on city employee compensation and the adoption of a tentative budget for fiscal year 2026–27.

The meeting opened at 5:33 p.m. with Mayor Terry Willis leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Layne Miller opened the meeting’s “safety seconds” by urging attendees to “be cautious when out in hot temperatures, keep hydrated, find shade and know heat stroke symptoms.”

Administrative Director Nick Tatton said the council was holding the statutorily required public hearing on proposed compensation levels for elective and statutory officers and manager-level employees. After opening and immediately closing the hearing with no public comment, the council approved Ordinance No. 2026-003 to establish the compensation schedule.

Finance Director Lisa Richens described the tentative budget as a working document subject to change before final adoption. The council voted to adopt the tentative FY2026–27 budget and set a public hearing for June 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 185 East Main, Price, Utah; required Class A notice publication under Section 63G-30-102 will be provided.

The council also approved a package of resolutions and administrative items. Administrative Director Tatton noted Carbon County requested a change reducing the term of the criminal prosecution services agreement from ten years to five; the council approved Resolution No. 2026-9 to accept the agreement with the five-year term. The council approved Resolution No. 2026-10 to set garbage collection and disposal rates charged to utility customers, Resolution No. 2026-11 establishing voluntary water conservation goals and targets for residential and commercial users, and Resolution No. 2026-12 to implement the State of Utah's clean drinking water fee as it applies locally.

The consent agenda, approved unanimously, included minutes from the May 27 meeting; public-hearing dates for the FY2025–26 year-end budget revision and an Enterprise Fund hearing on an Electric Fund transfer; an entertainment contract with The Ray Smith Jazz Ensemble for $1,800 for the Liberty 250 Gala; a bankruptcy utility account write-off of $454.47; acceptance of a $10,625 grant from the Community Foundation of Utah to update and digitize the Price City Real Property Catalogue (possible match of up to $5,000 noted); ratification of a state grant time extension; and issuance of routine business licenses.

During public comment, Tatum Tatton outlined her platform as Miss Teen Utah Volunteer; Jeff Mangrum raised concerns about on-street parking; and resident Mike Gurule said he opposed tax increases. Councilmember Tina Urbanik reminded attendees that council members cannot take action on items raised during the public-comment period.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 6:27 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance No. 2026-003 — Establish compensation for elective/statutory officers and manager-level employees — Motion to approve carried. Tentative Budget FY2026-27 — Adopt tentative budget and set June 24 public hearing — Motion to adopt carried. Resolution No. 2026-9 — Approve criminal prosecution services agreement with five-year term — Motion to approve carried. Resolution No. 2026-10 — Establish garbage collection/disposal rates — Motion to approve carried. Resolution No. 2026-11 — Establish voluntary water conservation goals and targets — Motion to approve carried. Resolution No. 2026-12 — Implement State of Utah clean drinking water fee locally — Motion to approve carried. Consent Agenda (items a–h) — Includes entertainment contract ($1,800), grant acceptance ($10,625), bankruptcy account write-off ($454.47), business licenses — Motion to approve carried.

Next steps: the council will hold the public hearing on the tentative budget on June 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.