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Residents criticize tax spike and suggest enforcement revenue; some defend modest council pay
Summary
Public commenters at the Sept. 2 meeting criticized a recent tax increase and suggested alternative revenue sources such as increased traffic enforcement; other residents argued modest council compensation offsets time and travel burdens.
Multiple residents addressed the council during the public comment and public hearing portion of the meeting, expressing strong views about recent tax changes and proposed council compensation. Scott Kendell described a recent tax increase as a difficult burden and suggested the city could raise revenue through more traffic enforcement, saying, "If they pulled more people over in Uintah and fined them, we could make a fortune."
Dean Larsen said increasing council pay immediately after a large tax hike would be poor timing and urged the council to "let the dust settle" before adjusting elected officials' compensation. By contrast, Brandon Everett acknowledged the optics concern but argued modest compensation helps cover mileage and time commitments and may be preferable to expanding the city fleet.
Public input shaped council discussion later in the meeting, where members cited both resident concerns and the need to keep public service accessible to candidates with limited means.
