2017-18 School Budget Hearing

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. June 21, 2017.  The proposed $8.86 million budget for the school year 2017-2018 was presented and adopted pending the “Truth in Taxation”  meeting.  That meeting will be held on August 16 at 6:30 in Randolph at Rich High School Auditorium.  This meeting will be an explanation of what the numbers in the budget mean.  Because the budget year is July to July in Rich County a budget must be approved to run the district before all hearings are completed. The budget is preliminary and based on the final action taken that night.

  

The new tax rate is up .000108 from last year.  Because two other tax levies have gone down in the budget, the actual increase on a $200,000 home will be about $14.  The district has not changed the levy for seven years.  Most other districts in Utah increase their levies every three years.

The district is required to have at least a three month operating budget.  Rich County has more than that and will draw some of it down for capital expenses.  Most of the growth in income for the District has come from new growth as more people are moving into the county.  The District raises $3.819 million from local taxes, the State contributes about $2.946 million and the Federal Government contributes $246,275, of which half is for disabled students.  Teacher, staff and administrative salaries make up more than half of the expenditures.

“Our tax rate is the fourth lowest tax rate in the state,” said Superintendent Dale Lamborn. 

In addition to the budget the Board approved changing middle school shop fees to $30.  In the past, it has been a $5 shop fee plus materials.   But they are finding that students are spending $100-$200 for projects and it is hard to manage.  There will 5 or 6 projects and the materials will be at the school.  If a student wants to do a different project, they may but they cannot spend more than $30.  There still will be a 5 dollar fee for art.

Pickleville Philosophy

Father's Day

By Jim Stone, The Pickleville Philosopher 

Well my day just got so awesome.  I never get tears in my eyes besides when I have to bury one of my hunting dogs.  I got a couple of tears right now.

I never had kids of my own. It’s probably something in my life that I maybe woulda regretted, but about nine years ago I met a young kid named Wyatt Hollaway.  He was just a little guy and we made friends right out of the gate.

I was guiding full time and he had a true love for hunting and fishing.  We started hunting and fishing most every day.  Wyatt is 17 now and has turned into an expert in every aspect of the outdoors. He’s a world class duck and goose caller, he can identify waterfowl of any kind a half mile away.  His black lab Barron, which he trained, loves to hunt as much as Wyatt does.

Wyatt has a true understanding for all wildlife and what it takes to not only hunt in a fair chase but also, when it’s not the season, how to protect and enhance wildlife.

Any ways Wyatt gave me this t shirt.  I realize I’m not a real dad but to me Wyatt is the son that I never had, and I’m so flipping proud of him in every way.

I’m pretty proud of my new shirt too.

Well my hats off to all the fathers, step fathers, or even just guys that step up and help introduce young men into a path that includes the wonders of the great outdoors.

Speaking for myself even though I’m not a real dad, I don’t think I could be any prouder or love a young man any more than Wyatt.

Have a very happy Father’s Day everyone.  Big smiles from me to all of you

Reflections

Photo by Claudia Lopez, Garden City

Garden City Library Rummage Sale

June 23 and 24 at Garden City Park.  

Anyone wanting to bring their donations directly to the park, a representative of the sale will be at the park Thursday at noon until closing.  We have lots of furniture for sale.  

Much of it has been donated by local Time Shares and Condos.  

All donations go directly to the Library.  

Anyone needing a truck or help bringing items please text 801-608-5680

Garden City Council Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  June 8, 2017.  There was a brief discussion concerning widening the sidewalk along the front of the LDS Church located along Bear Lake Blvd.  It was noted that the sprinkling system would have to be moved if the sidewalk was widened.  The City decided to leave this area alone.

The kiosk located in the City’ parking lot just north of the LDS Church Building contains advertising signs for many of the businesses in town.  However, some of the signs were made and have never been hung.  The request was made to get these signs hung.

The City needs five Counting Judges for the municipal elections coming up.  Mayor Spuhler asked if Shar Miller, Nadine Sprouse, Anita Weston, Bess Huefner, and Ginger Stocking would be willing to help.  They agreed to help.  These individuals will need to be available after the election closes on Tuesday, August 15.

Consolidated was given the bid for Buttercup Lane Area Roadways Restoration Project contingent upon holding to the Addendum.    The Cost will be $8,600.

The Rich County Fair Board had contacted Garden City asking the City to donate $700 to help sponsor the fall Rodeo.  The Council approved supporting the County with this activity.

A Public Hearing was called to order and a discussion of held concerning Ordinance #17-07.  This ordinance updated the requirements for a transient merchant license to include the new state code stipulations.  Ordinance #17-08 was also updated to include exemptions for the Garden City bike and pedestrian path.  The Public Hearing was closed.

The motion was made and approved by the City Council that food truck vendors will be required to purchase a $90 food truck permit.   This covers administrative and other expenses that are expended by the City in working with food truck vendors.

A motion was also made to accept the ordinance 17-08 dealing with the Garden City Bike and walking path.  The motion was approved.

Garden City Mayor's Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY June 8, 2017.  Mayor Spuhler reported talking with the Commissioners earlier in the day.  He noted that Garden City creates about 97 percent of all TRT (Transient Room Tax) taxes collected in the County.  These taxes are sent to the state and are returned to the County.  The County then takes the percentage determined for law enforcement and the percentage for some of the other emergency organizations and gives them these funds.  The rest of the money is to be spent on tourism projects.  Each city in the county is asked to write a grant to gain access to their share of the TRT monies.  A board was formed about ten years ago.  They are the individuals who read the grants requesting money and make the determination of who gets the money and how much.

Mayor Spuhler noted that $295,000 TRT monies were collected by Garden City this past year.  Garden City was given $25,000 for their grant which is about the same as all of the other cities in the County.  The Mayor, in looking further into the matter, determined that there was $125,000 TRT money in the County general fund for the Sheriff.  That leaves a balance of $113,000 in the TRT Account.  Mayor Spuhler noted that there will be as much money collected this coming summer as last summer, thus he felt the balance in the account was really high and thought it should be used before the TRT tax is added to the account this fall.  Also, even though Garden City collects the major portion of the funds, the $25,000 was about 7 percent of the amount brought in.

Mayor Spuhler requested that perhaps the TRT Board be changed a bit to give more individuals an opportunity to serve on that board and make decisions about the TRT tax funds.  He had a list of individuals he thought would make a good change.  He listed George Peart, Ty Tenne, Mike Mouldenhauer, Gary McKee, Paul Abray, Nate Perry, Nate Smoot, Kylie Hodges, and Robert Peterson.  The Commissioners noted that they would think about updating the board.  They defended how the funds are currently being shared and said they would look further into this matter.

Gathering Clouds

Photo by Mark Bishop

Proposed Budget Changes

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. June 8, 2017.  Last month the Council worked on the budget for next year.  The proposed budget was presented to the Council.  It was decided that some additional changes needed to be made to the budget.  Glen Gillies has been given more responsibility in the last few weeks.  As a result, it was decided that when he passes the building inspector exam, he will be given approximately $50,000 a year. 

Tammy Calder works about 24 hours a week.  She has been with the City for about three and a half years.  It was decided that she should be given a raise to $13.24 per hour.  Richard Monk is in charge of the swimming pool and has been doing a super job.  He is always there and works hard to make sure things are moving smoothly.  He will be given a 12 percent increase in his salary.  All of the other city workers will be given a 4 percent cost of living raise this year.

These items will change some of the figures on the proposed budget for the coming year.  Kathy Hislop said she would get the changes made.

New Curb & Gutter By Water's Edge

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  June 8, 2017.  Don and Bess Huefner informed the City Council that as Water’s Edge moves forward, they will be putting in new curb and gutter work in front of their building.  Because they don’t own all of the property to the end of the block, there will be a difference in the curb and gutter in front of Water’s Edge and the curb and gutter in front of Huefner’s property.  The Hufeners thought that the City might want to make the curb and gutter the same to the end of the block.  The owners of Water’s Edge noted that they would be happy to do the curb and gutter work to the end of the block if the City will pay the cost of the materials needed for this additional distance.  The Council felt it would be better to make sure the curb and gutter was consistent and are willing to take care of the materials cost to do so.

There are some trees along the west side of Huefner’s property that are creating a problem for people being able to see cars coming for the north or south when attempting to get onto Bear Lake Blvd. from 150 South.  It was decided that at least one and perhaps all of the trees along that area will need to be removed.  It was also noted that a fence for the Huefners needs to be in place prior to Water’s Edge getting a business license. 

New Business In Garden City

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. June 8, 2017.   Papa’s Fine Chocolates, a candy company, will be moving into a shop located at 88 S. Bear Lake Blvd.  This location is the commercial building currently being built and will be a part of the Water’s Edge resort.  The owners of Papa’s Fine Chocolates, April Matthews and Edward Matthews, are excited about this opportunity and asked that they be given a business license for this operation.  The Council approved their request for this business contingent upon approval of occupancy of the building by the City.

Kacy Jones asked the Council to approve her request for a license to start a professional spa service and retail sales of spa products at 88 S. Bear Lake Blvd.  This business will also be housed in the Water’s Edge commercial building currently being built.  The Council approved Jones' request contingent upon approval of occupancy of the building.

Water’s Edge Beach Parking, owned by Chris Shurian, asked for the license to do business providing beach-side parking access as well a rental of paddle boards, kayaks, and places for picnics on the area below 88 S. Bear Lake Blvd.  The council approved Shurian's request.

Nick Olsen, owner of a property management and rental company, requested a business license to open his business in Garden City.  This business will be located at 70 W. Logan Road.  Approval was given.