South Jordan City Council Budget Meeting January 7, 2025
Kathie Johnson • July 9, 2026
South Jordan City
Council Budget Meeting
January 7, 2026
Key Points Summary
1. Budget Process and Context
- The meeting focused on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, with early preparation starting in September 2025.
- The city’s budget process is collaborative, involving department heads and administration, with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility and maintaining service levels.
2. Employee Compensation and Retention
- South Jordan is behind neighboring cities in cost-of-living adjustments (COLA); last year’s COLA was 1%, while others ranged from 3.5% to 6%.
- Police salaries are about 5% below market, fire salaries are about 10% below, and some benchmark positions are over 20% below market.
- Employee turnover increased to 12.5% (from an average of 11.5%), with 83% of separations voluntary and 70% considered “regrettable.”
- Main reasons for departures: compensation, opportunities for advancement, and other employment offers.
- 76 employees are eligible for retirement within five years, highlighting the need for succession planning.
3. Staffing Requests and Priorities
- 13 full-time positions requested: 6 in police (including 4 new officers and converting 2 part-time roles to full-time), 5 in fire (including 3 firefighter/AEMTs, a Fire Marshal, and a Records/Data Specialist), plus a Cybersecurity Technician and an Associate Director of Recreation.
- Additional part-time and seasonal positions are requested for parks, the senior center, and communications.
- Staffing additions are aimed at maintaining service levels, supporting growth, and succession planning.
4. Funding and Revenue Strategies
- Funding all proposed public safety positions would require an 8–10% increase in the property tax (about $38–$50 annually for a $650,000 home).
- The city’s property tax revenue ($17 million) does not cover current police costs ($25 million); fire services cost about $12 million.
- Alternative revenue options discussed: creating a public safety district, implementing user-based fees (e.g., transportation utility fee, park fees), and growing the sales tax base through economic development.
- Legislative changes may cap property tax increases at 5%, requiring contingency planning.
5. Council Discussion and Direction
- Council members expressed concern about the sustainability of repeated tax increases and emphasized the need for alternative revenue sources.
- Transparency and resident engagement in the budget process were highlighted as priorities.
- Staff were directed to research and prepare options for new revenue tools (public safety district, utility fees, event-based fees) and to clarify which could be implemented in the current or future fiscal years.
- The council agreed to consider both immediate and long-term strategies, balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to remain competitive in the labor market and maintain service levels.
6. Other Notable Points
- The city is exploring commercial development opportunities (e.g., Rio Tinto area) to expand the tax base.
- Recent legislation (HB 151) may help attract large retailers without costly incentives.
- Cemetery fees and impact fees are due for review, as they have not been updated in over a decade.
Summary Statement: The meeting focused on balancing fiscal responsibility, employee retention, and service delivery amid rising costs and a competitive labor market. The council discussed the need for compensation adjustments, new staffing, and alternative revenue sources while preparing for possible legislative constraints on property tax increases. Transparency, strategic planning, and proactive engagement with residents and legislators were emphasized as key to addressing both immediate and future budget challenges.
Reference:
https://sjc.utah.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/411
2025 Annual Community Survey South Jordan City Council Study Meeting February 17, 2026
South Jordan City Council Study Meeting Item F.2. May 5, 2026
South Jordan City Council Budget Meeting March 17, 2026
South Jordan City Council Budget Meeting March 4, 2026
South Jordan City Parks and Open Space Water Shortage Irrigation Response
City of South Jordan Annual Budget Fiscal Year 2026-2027
South Jordan Parks, Open Space, Recreation & Trails Master Plan 2025
South Jordan Parks Fee Top 3 Things to Know Dedicated Funding : Every dollar stays in our parks, trails, and cemetery; it cannot be used for city salaries, benefits, or Mulligans. Low Impact : It costs less than $0.20 a day. Protects Assets : Dedicated funding prevents maintenance delays and protects your property values. Frequently Asked Questions Why do we need a new fee? Rising Maintenance Costs : The cost to maintain and enhance our existing public spaces has increased. Protects Service Levels : Without dedicated funding, park maintenance and critical improvements will face delays or reductions. Resident Demand : Community surveys and the 2024 Parks Master Plan show residents heavily prioritize high-quality parks. How much will this cost me monthly? Single-Family Homes : $5.28 per month ($63.36 annually). Multi-Family Homes : $3.38 per month ($40.50 annually). Universal Application : The fee applies to every residential unit within South Jordan city limits. Exactly where does my money go? Park Operations ($1.1 Million) : Covers mowing, irrigation, general upkeep, and trail repairs. Capital Improvements ($500,000) : Funds playground replacements, sports fields, courts, and tree planting. Cemetery Maintenance ($100,000) : Funds turf care, landscaping fixes, and headstone repairs. What is explicitly excluded from this fee? No Employee Wages : City employee salaries and benefits remain funded strictly by the General Fund. No Mulligans Funding : Zero fee revenue will go toward Mulligans-related golf or facility operations. What specific upgrades will my neighborhood see first? Playground Replacement : Complete replacement of the playground at Stonehaven Park. Restroom Upgrades : Citywide public restroom repairs and facility modernizations. Sports Field Maintenance : Infield repairs for baseball/softball and multi-purpose field improvements. Forestry Care : Maintenance and health management for over 8,500 city-owned trees. What are the community-wide benefits? Property Values : Well-maintained parks directly support and enhance local neighborhood property values. Better Trails : Improved connectivity and access across our 33 miles of city trails. Better Health : Greater access to active transportation networks and recreational open spaces.