Riverton City Recognized For Fiscal Discipline
By Mayor Trent Staggs
Keeping taxes at a minimum is a priority for Riverton City. My administration operates with our residents’ family budgets in mind. Every dollar is being stretched right now in your household, so we are doing the same in city hall.
Riverton City was recently recognized by the Utah Taxpayers Association for having one of the lowest tax burdens per capita in the state. Among the 50 largest municipalities in the state, Riverton has the 14th lowest tax burden. This is the second lowest per capita in Salt Lake County, and the lowest in our part of the valley.
The Taxpayers Association’s 2024 Cost of Government Report states that this metric “is especially useful in comparing different cities and indicates the level of fiscal restraint exercised by elected officials.” Riverton City is proud of our work to keep government lean, efficient, and accountable to you the taxpayer.
Our fiscal discipline is proving to cities across Utah that Riverton’s model of fiscally conservative governance works. Unlike other municipalities, we haven’t raised taxes in nearly ten years and utilities have only increased by a mere few dollars over the past decade. This is a remarkable achievement considering the inflationary era we live in. This success is a credit to creative, innovative governance by
elected officials over the years.
Some examples include the creation of the of the Riverton Law Enforcement Service Area in 2018 and the Riverton Fire Service Area in 2021 that have saved taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. These taxing districts also allow us to direct better how we want these funds to be used, rather than being out voted by the rest of Salt Lake valley. This principle of self-government has served us well and will continue to save Riverton money for years to come.
Keeping government expenses low has not been an easy task. But our success is owed to several factors. Our excellent business community gives Riverton a significant advantage, as is noted in the Taxpayers Association’s report.
This is due to noteworthy work by the city council and my administration to inculcate a business-friendly environment. I removed the business license fee in our city, and we are currently working on identifying further measures we can implement to encourage more business creation and growth.
I am committed to continue Riverton’s tradition of operating with fiscal discipline as our guide and a family-first budget mindset. This strict management year after year pays our city’s expenses without shouldering our residents with needless debt.
Please contact my office if you have ideas on additional actions the city can take to save money and provide for the future.
Secondary Water Shut-Off Reminder
The anticipated shut-off date for Riverton City’s secondary water system is October 11. The date is dependent on if canal companies end up shutting off canals sooner than that date. Sprinkler systems should be winterized to protect them from cold temperatures by the end of November.
OPEN BALL VALVE
Please ensure your ball valve is OPEN after water is shut off to drain your lines.
Utah Taxpayers Association’s lowest city tax burdenper capita among the 50 largest cities in Utah.
High Density Housing is Not the Solution
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
October 1 & 15, 7 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
October 10 & 24, 6:30 p.m.
CONTACT US
rivertonutah.gov
801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
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By Councilmember Spencer Haymond
When Rachel and I were first married we quickly purchased our first home in Riverton on the west side of Redwood Road at about 13500 S. It was a cute, reddish brick bungalow, built in the 1920’s. At that time Redwood Road was a two-lane pony road that didn’t carry much traffic. One fond memory of that house was sitting on our porch and watching for unsuspecting cars to plow through the massive puddle that would collect any time there was a rainstorm or someone left their sprinklers on. Cars would hit that puddle and create a tidal wave taller than their vehicle. There is something very satisfying about watching those huge waves and seeing the shock on the driver’s face. I often stood in the road and surveyed my yard and house, planning my next home makeover and wondering how I could get HGTV involved.
Today Redwood Road is a seven-lane highway with the potential to add an additional lane in each direction. Standing in the road today to look at your house is an act of craziness and a serious game of Frogger. During the widening of Redwood many great neighbors were displaced, and we are now faced with the process of figuring out what to do with the remnants of land the widening process created.
Redwood Road is the main corridor through downtown historic Riverton. In years past many people lived, walked, and played along its path. I believe with proper consideration we can achieve a lively and vibrant corridor for car and pedestrian alike. I would love to hear ideas people have for the east side of Redwood Road from about 12800
S to Bangerter Highway.
The vision in my mind’s eye that I have picked up from others is one of beautiful homes, set back from the road and most likely facing north or south instead of facing the road. Entrances on the east of the properties would allow quiet access without them having to pull directly onto Redwood Road, an impossibility according to UDOT. Wide sidewalks separated from the road with large parking strips filled with trees, shrubs, and tall grasses would provide a barrier from the traffic. Top it all off with a white, three rail horse fence between the sidewalk and the house and you have a pleasant area that provides traditional housing structures along with pedestrian and vehicle thoroughfares.
There is often a push for many more units per acre in housing these days. This is often presented under the pretense of “more houses per acre translates to less expensive housing”.
but I do not believe they should come at the expense of the existing population that purchased in an area because it had large residential lots and distance between neighbors.
This idea may not sit well with some. There is often a push for many more units per acre in housing these days. This is often presented under the pretense of “more houses per acre translates to less expensive housing”. I’ve not seen this to be true. More houses per acre does not reduce the price of lumber, concrete, plumbing, labor, drywall, or any part of building a structure. It does increase the profit of the developers and builders. Don’t mis-understand what I’m saying. I am all about making great profits,
“The more units per acre, the more people become reliant upon the government. Isn’t that interesting?”
The more units per acre, the more people become reliant upon the government. Isn’t that interesting? The ever-increasing, power-hungry government is pushing for heavier population centers. This is their attempt to address the price of housing instead of addressing the problem: a centrally controlled, privately owned, unjust, corrupt monetary system that is setup for the banks and the enslavement of all people and the nation their forefathers sacrificed to create. Don’t take my word for it, study the court cases and history of our money. But this is a topic for another article. For now, let’s keep historic downtown Riverton historic, with large lots and families playing in the yards.
Fire Extinguisher Preparedness
By Chief Wade Watkins
Recently your local firefighters did some Fire Extinguisher training with all the Riverton City employees. This training was fun and informative which really sparked my interest for this public safety message.
Fire extinguishers are designed to put out or control small fires, small fires, if not checked immediately, can spread out of control. It is important that we equip our residenc-
es with the proper fire extinguishers as part of our fire protection plan.
Fight or Flight
A fire is the most common type of emergency a family must plan for.
A critical decision when planning is when should we fight a small fire with a portable fire extinguisher, or evacuate
• Small fires can often be put out quickly with a portable fire extinguisher
• We must understand the use and limits of a portable fire extinguisher, and the hazards associated with fighting fire
Be sure to familiarize yourself with fire extinguishers before an emergency arises. Know the type of fire it can put out and if it’s suitable for the fire you’re trying to put out.
Quilt Show Submissions Wanted
Calling all quilters submit your quilt to be displayed at the Old Dome in this non-judged event. Have your quilting expertise be a part of one of our most popular exhibits. Quilt Entry Period: October 14-28, 2024 rivertonutah.gov/exhibits for more information.
To safely use a fire extinguisher for small fires at home, follow these steps:
• Pull the pin: This unlocks the handle and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.
• Aim the nozzle: Point the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames. This will help extinguish the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply.
• Squeeze the handle: This will release the extinguishing agent from the extinguisher.
• Sweep the nozzle: Move the nozzle back and forth across the base of the fire to extinguish it completely.
Call 911 if the fire doesn’t go out or if it starts to spread. It is important to note that fire extinguishers are designed for small fires only. If the fire is too large, or if you are unsure of your ability to put it out, evacuate the building immediately and call 911. Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher before an emergency arises. Know the type of fire it can put out and if it’s suitable for the fire you’re trying to put out.
For more detailed information related to Fire Extinguisher Training please visit unifiedfire.org there you’ll find a detailed presentation. Stay Safe Riverton!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
