Citizens’ Priorities Shape the City Budget
By Mayor Trent Staggs
Riverton City is in an enviable financial position. I credit this due to proper planning and the fiscal discipline of our elected officials, the immense talent of city staff, and our thriving partnership with our engaged citizenry.
On May 7, I presented the Mayor’s Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2025 to our City Council. I constructed this budget after extensive discussions with executive staff and reviewing the priorities identified by residents in our recent Citizen Survey. Know that we hear you and we are working to implement the vision articulated for our community.
The following are features of the budget I’d like to emphasize:
capita has dropped to $714 per resident, an over 20 year low.
• When reviewing the budget, the general fund is thought to be the best barometer of financial prudence because it is less subject to change year over year. This FY 2025 general fund is increasing only 11% from last year even while bearing the burden of five additional full-time employees and still navigating the inflationary pressures of our current economy.
• Over the past 10 years, Riverton City’s sales tax revenue has increased over 230%. Although a slowdown is predicted, the city still anticipates a sales tax revenue of $13 million in FY 2025 – a slight increase from the previous year.
“I
constructed this budget after extensive discussions with executive staff and reviewing the priorities identified by residents in our recent Citizens Survey.”
• There are NO proposed fee or tax increases. This is significant after more than 75 government entities in the state held truth in taxation hearings this last year. Riverton City has delivered over $16 million in taxpayer savings since creating our own fire and police service area.
• The city maintains an AAA bond rating and the debt per
Three major projects are prioritized in this year’s budget to coincide with citizen requests:
• The Green Well project construction is nearly complete, and it is positioned to save taxpayers roughly $1 million in municipal water purchases each year. This reverse osmosis plant will provide culinary water equal to or greater than the cleanliness standards of Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.
• Riverton City is rare in that it has 100% connection of
a pressurized secondary irrigation water system with each household. Enhancements of water cleanliness and pressure will be made to this system to ensure this asset will be available to all and for generations to come.
• The Welby Canal Trail & Bridge project over 13400 South will ensure better pedestrian safety and greater walkable paths throughout the city. This was a priority identified by residents in our Citizen Survey.
This proposed city budget helps fulfill Riverton residents’ expectations in self-governance. As your elected representatives, it is incumbent on us to exercise all prudence and excellence in detailing plans to accomplish our shared objectives.
I invite you to attend the scheduled public hearings for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget on June 4 and June 18 at 7 p.m. in our city council chamber. I welcome your ideas and feedback on how to improve this budget and our city.
RIVERTON REVIEW | JUNE 2024 PAGE 1
JUNE 2024
Freedom is Synonymous with Responsibility
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Trent Staggs - Mayor
Andy Pierucci - District 1
Troy McDougal - District 2
Tawnee McCay - District 3
Tish Buroker - District 4
Spencer Haymond - District 5
UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL
JUNE, 4 & 18, 7 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE, 13 & 27, 6:30 p.m.
CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov
801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
FIND US ONLINE!
@rivertonutahgov
By Councilmember Spencer Haymond
As I go about my business and life, I often hear the phrase, “Somebody should do something about that.”
Of course, what they are typically referring to is that the government should do something. Admittedly, having another person or entity take care of my responsibilities is more convenient. However, when I think the government should “do something”, it’s usually the most expensive and inefficient route possible. A culture of no responsibility has been building in our nation for decades, and we can see the impact of that thinking. We the people want everything, yet we don’t want to pay for it or do it ourselves.
The freedoms we enjoy have been built on true principles. The strength and truth behind the American experiment is that people can govern themselves. This idea of self-governance was a radical notion in the late 1700s. Before this experiment, people lived under various totalitarian governments. While there were attempts to create more freedom, bondage was still the norm. When we stray from principles of freedom and responsibility, we go against the warning of George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
The greatest responsibility we have as a free society is that of restraint. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. Government freebies may appear heaven sent, but the secondary impacts often cause greater harm than the initial benefits. When people refuse to restrain themselves, society gathers, begging the government to step in. Benjamin Franklin spoke of the cause of ever-expanding government when he said, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
A return to personal responsibility empowers an individual and unites a community. As we take time to serve - for example, picking up trash along the roads, parks, or places of business - smile and wave to friends and future friends. This will build a better society and give you a sense of belonging. As we each make the effort to maintain and uplift our city, the sense of community, friendship, and respect will grow and bless the lives of all.
I recently witnessed the power of personal responsibility as my four-year-old son learned how to climb out of the pool on his own. He was required to exit the pool from an area where he could not touch the bottom. For many minutes he hung from the edge of the pool as he attempted to lift himself out. He cried, asked for help, struggled, and eventually lifted himself high enough to get his leg over the edge
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” - Benjamin Franklin
and with a final struggle he was out. The tears were gone, and the smile on his face was priceless! He had accomplished on his own something he thought impossible without another’s help.
As we celebrate the independence of this great Republic, let us each step forward and take the responsibilities of freedom upon our own shoulders, and do all we can to be better caretakers of our city, neighbors, friends, and even smiling strangers we pass on the road. Remember, you are somebody--you matter!
Did you know that firework debris can be a major pollutant for our streams and rivers?
As you celebrate Independence Day and Pioneer Day in July, remember to sweep firework debris from roads, gutters, sidewalks, and driveways. We recommend placing debris from fireworks in a bucket of water before disposal.
COUNCILMEMBER MESSAGE
RIVERTON REVIEW | JUNE 2024 PAGE 2
Details Matter – Calling 911 During an Emergency
By Chief Wade Watkins
While responding to emergencies within the community, I am often impressed with the amount of detailed information provided to me as I respond. This information many times originates from a citizen who is observing an emergency.
An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance.
When you call 911, be prepared to answer the call-taker’s questions, which may include:
• The location of the emergency, including the street address.
o If you’re unable to give a street address. The smart phone application What3words is very effective in giving an exact location. This can be found where you get your apps and is becoming widely used.
• The phone number you are calling from.
• The nature of the emergency.
• Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency.
When you call 911, be prepared to answer the call-taker’s questions.
Remember, the call-taker’s questions are important to get the right kind of help to you quickly. Be prepared to follow any instructions the call-taker gives you. Many 911 centers can tell you exactly what
to do until help arrives, such as providing step-by-step instructions to aid someone who is choking or needs first aid or CPR. Do not hang up until the call-taker instructs you to do so.
Please practice these steps with your family and friends to ensure you’re prepared.
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UPCOMING EVENTS RIVERTON
Riverton Town Days July 3 & 4
• Carnival - June 30 - July 4
• Car Show - June 29, 4-9 p.m.
• Parade - July 3, 6:30 p.m.
• Movie in the Park - July 3, ~9:30 p.m.
• Activities for Everyone - July 3 & 4, All Day
• Country Races, 1M, 5K & 10K - July 4, 7 a.m.
• Fireworks - July 4, 10 p.m.
• Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/towndays
Register: Town Days Races
Registration for the Town Days 5K, 10K and 1-Mile Races has begun. Register at rivertonutah.gov/ races Tuesday, July 4, 7 a.m. (10K), 7:15 a.m. (5K), 8:30 a.m. (1-Mile).
Register: Flag Football
Registration for Flag Football ends on August 1. Children in 1st-6th Grade are eligible to participate. Season features 7 games. Register online. League Begins Tuesday, September 3. Register at rivertonutah.gov/football
Town Days Rodeo Now 3 Days of Rodeo!
• Thursday, Friday & Saturday, June 27-29, 8 p.m., Riverton Rodeo Arena
• Get your tickets early so you don’t miss out at rivertonutah.gov/rodeo
• Tickets are $12 each (+$2.64 processing fee) and must be purchased online.
• Tickets will sell out early and will not be sold at the gate.
3-Man Arena Sorting Competition
Applications are available online for entries in the Riverton Town Days Parade. Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Find details at rivertonutah.gov/parade Applications Close: June 14.
Town Days Parade Float Entries Register: Fall Baseball
Get your kids age 3-8 years old registered for Riverton City’s Fall Baseball league! Season includes 7 games. Registration closes June 10. League Begins Tuesday, August 6. Register at rivertonutah.gov/baseball
Riverton Town Days kicks off with the annual 3-Man Arena Sorting Competition. Come watch cowboys and cowgirls work to sort calves. Monday, June 17, 7 p.m., Riverton Rodeo Arena. Free Event!
Friday Fun Nights
Friday Fun Nights in Riverton are the best! We’ve got food trucks, a summer market, entertainment, and a movie in the park every Friday in August. Food trucks & vendors open from 6-9 p.m. Movie begins at dusk.
REVIEW RIVERTON REVIEW | JUNE 2024 PAGE 4