Riverton Review Print Newsletter - August 2023

RIVERTON REVIEW

Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government

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No Tax or Utility Fee Increases - Again

By Mayor Trent Staggs

Residents should have received their 2023 Tax Valuation Notices in recent weeks. The City Council also has finalized the budget that started July 1, 2023. I am pleased Riverton City will once again operate the next fiscal year with no tax or utility fee increases.

In some cases, Riverton residents can expect a lower total dollar tax expense due to our city’s mil rate for its police and fire districts decreasing this year. In addition, Riverton boasts the lowest average utility’s fees in the valley.

This is a direct result of the fiscal discipline and ingenuity of our elected officials and staff. Our city is one of a select few in the valley that are not proposing a tax rate raise. This has not been an easy task during a time of volatile inflation. A Utah Taxpayer Association report shows that 78 cities or taxing entities neighboring us and throughout the state have proposed

tax hikes this year. Several of them are now raising taxes and fees multiple years in a row.

Sadly, the Association president said local government growth is the “sole source” of their tax hikes. I am proud our city has the foresight and assiduity to safeguard Riverton taxpayer money and keep our city government footprint limited.

For example, our decision to create our own police district and city-run police department has saved Riverton taxpayers over $15.5 million since 2018. We’ve also saved over $700,000 in the last couple of years by creating our own fire district. Prudent planning continues to safeguard our residents’ hard-earned money.

I understand how difficult living within a budget can be for a family with small children or a senior citizen on a fixed income. Every dollar counts in your household, and I’ve ensured we do the same in city hall.

Riverton is also the beneficiary of excellent planning and positive economic development. The ongoing business development at Mountain View Village and throughout the city offsets the tax burden placed on residents. Our business owners’ success has helped fund needed city projects

and it is a major part of keeping our city budget lean and sound. The pairing of fiscal responsivity with our prudent planning is proving to the rest of the state that the Riverton model works. We can pay for necessary city expenses and support our family-focused way of life without burdening our residents with higher taxes.

I am committed to keeping our city government’s focus to stretching every dollar entrusted to us by the citizens. My staff are currently working on several key projects that will help the city stay out of needless debt. Please reach out to me if you have ideas to further help our city save money and prepare for the future.

“I am pleased Riverton City will once again operate the next fiscal year with no tax or utility fee increases.”

Comparing Riverton Law Enforcement Service Area (RLESA) tax savings to Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Service Area (SLVLESA) had we stayed with them since 2018.

Comparing Riverton Fire Service Area (RFSA) - Tax Savings Compared to Unified Fire Srevice Area (UFSA) had we stayed with them since 2021.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Trent Staggs - Mayor

Andy Pierucci - District 1

Troy McDougal - District 2

Tawnee McCay - District 3

Tish Buroker - District 4

Claude Wells - District 5

What you need to know about Secondary Water Meters

By Councilmember Claude Wells

Water is a precious commodity in our arid desert mountain home, so Riverton is installing secondary (irrigation) water meters to help residents keep track of their water use.

The state has mandated each city install the secondary water meters to inform each resident of their usage each month. More knowledge about our own water usage will help us conserve our natural resources.

Installing secondary water meters is not intended to raise rates by the city. The goal is to save between 25 and 30 percent of our water supply statewide simply by informing residents of their water usage.

How to identify and use the Secondary Water meters on your property:

City subcontractors are busy com-

pleting the new secondary meter installations. Roughly 45% of the installations are now complete. The goal is to complete all the installations by the end of 2024.

When installations are completed the tube where the city’s secondary water stop valve was located will be replaced by a secondary meter maintained by the city. Users of the secondary water have always been able to turn on their secondary water from their irrigation box (similar green lid as your sprinkler valves) with the ball valve handle.

The T wrench (stop & waste) valve in the park strip was never intended to be turned on by the homeowner, but rather just by the Riverton Water Department.

Riverton Resident Responsibility for Secondary Water

It’s recommended that citizens turn the completed secondary water meter on and off at certain seasons of the year. It will be a green irrigation box on your property. Homeowners should turn the ball valve open in the Fall to let water out, so the lines don’t freeze. Resident should then close it in the Spring to allow water from the canals to enter the pipes.

The new meters have RF technology with an antenna that communicates to AMI towers on city owned buildings. This allows city employees to read meters remotely rather than having to manually view the usage at each meter. This is similar to how culinary water meters usage is collected by the city.

If you have any questions, please call the Riverton City water department at 801-208-3162.

New Riverton Police Department command staff

The Riverton Police Department recently introduced new command leadership. They each bring extensive experience and expertise to keep our community safe.

Chief Blair Barfuss has over 22 years of public safety experience in Utah, with the past five years as chief of police at Utah State University and Utah Tech University. He holds a master’s degree from Utah State University, bachelor’s degree from Columbia College, and a Police Leadership certificate from the University of Virginia. Chief Barfuss is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, session #265. He was selected as Chief of the Year by the Utah Chiefs of Police Association and by the Fraternal Order of Police in 2021. Chief Barfuss and his wife Emily have been married for 23 years and they enjoy spending time with their three daughters Evie, Anna, and Kathryn. He focuses on Community Oriented Policing and Data Driven Policing models, and loves serving the Riverton community.

Deputy Chief Shane Taylor has over 36 years of public safety experience in Utah, spending most of his career with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office/Unified Police Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration,

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH RIVERTON

but his true love is tending to his ranch and livestock. DC Taylor and his wife LeAnn have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of three amazing daughters and three wonderful grandchildren. He oversees the Administration Bureau, which is responsible for the Records Division, Animal Control, Code Enforcement, Evidence, Training, and Accreditation.

DC Taylor lives in Riverton City and loves being a part of our incredible community.

Deputy Chief Jenn Diederich has over 23 years of public safety experience in Utah working previously for the Salt Lake City Police Department. She holds a master’s degree from Western Governors University, a bachelor’s degree from University of Utah, and a Police Leadership certificate from the University of Virginia. DC Diederich is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, session #285. She commanded the SLCPD Motor Squad and the Public

Order Unit during the 2020 riots and has served as a patrol watch commander and training unit sergeant. DC Diederich oversees the Operations Bureau, which is responsible for Patrol Division, Investigations, SWAT, Major Traffic Accident Team, and Community Oriented Policing. She is the proud mother of her two dogs George and Mary and has been a Riverton resident for 23 years. DC Diederich loves serving the community she lives in.

Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,600 locations nationwide, including Riverton City Cemetery. Sponsor a $15 wreath to be placed at a veteran’s grave at Riverton City Cemetery in December.

Learn more by visiting rivertonutah.gov/ wreaths or scan the QR code

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The Riverton Police Department recently introduced new command leadership, (left to right) Deputy Chief Shane Taylor, Chief Blair Barfuss, and Deputy Chief Jenn Diederich.

FOOD TRUCKS • CONCERTS

VENDORS • MOVIES

EVERYFRIDAYNIGHTINAUGUST

Friday Fun Nights in Riverton are a blast! With several events all happening at beautiful Riverton City Park, bring the family for a casual night out. Food trucks, summer market and vendors from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and the outdoor movie begins at dusk. There are also three playgrounds and a splash pad at the park.

Attend a free QPR suicide prevention class to learn how to respond to someone in crises. Classes occur monthly, excluding July and December.

• Thursday, August 17, 7 p.m. rivertonutah.gov/qpr

Come join us for a fun night of volleyball under the stars at the Dusk to Dawn Coed Volleyball Tournament, a coed doubles grass tournament!

• rivertonutah.gov/recreation Friday, August 18 to Saturday 19

2023 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP

August 4th

• 6 p.m. Sam and Josh Duke

• 7 p.m. Goodnight Richard

August 11

• 6 p.m. Copper Kettle Band

• 7 p.m. The Truman Brothers

August 18

• 5:30 p.m. Voices Elevated feat. Alex Elggren

• 7 p.m. Yesterday’s Heroes

August 25

• 5:30 p.m. Bluegrass Thunder

• 7 p.m. Steven Bosco

2022-2023 Utah PTA Reflections Exhibit

Come see original winning art pieces created by dozens of young Utah artists, all age 18 and younger, that were submitted at this years art competition.

Calling all quilters! Consider entering your work in the Riverton Quilt Exhibition, a non-judged event. Find entry details rivertonutah.gov/exhibits.

Pickleball Tournament

The Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament features a pool bracket, various divisions and players from all over Utah. Register at rivertonutah.gov/pickleball

Riverton Quilt Exhibition Register: Fall Classic

Dusk to Dawn Volleyball Tournament

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

MOVIE IN THE PARK LINE UP • EVERY FRIDAY ~9PM

August 11

Puss in Boots

August 4

A League of Their Own

August 18 Lightyear

August 25

The Super Mario Bros.