Pool is Drained; Public Safety Building not Supported

Local voters, aka Tapayers, in a reasonably good turnout vetoed the $24 M pool with a strong NO vote.  

Of the 49% who actually voted, 97% cast their vote on the issue and over 53% effectively said "We can't afford it!"

Number of Precincts	37
Precincts Reporting	37	100.00%
Times Counted	6241/12718	49.10%
Total Votes	6064	97%
For	2834	46.73%
Against	3230	53.27%

On another vote, which ended up as only a "straw poll," with a similar turnout 57% of Heber City voters registered the disapproval of the Public Safety Building saying they do NOT favor it by a 57% majority.  

As someone jumped the gun and put the issue on the ballot before the petition signatures were collected, the vote was not supposed to be tabulated and is not a valid legal rejection of t he proposal.

Hopefully, the City leaders will take this under advisement, but they've already approved the contract to build the project at over $7 Million.   

Only 7% of those who voted, did not weigh in on the issue. But 57% who did cast a ballot said NO, thanks.  (Many are going to be surprised that their vote was meaningless!!!)

HEBER CITY PROP	Total
Number of Precincts	14
Precincts Reporting	14	100.00%
Times Counted	2615/5352	48.90%
Total Votes	2431	93%
Yes	1043	42.90%
No	1388	57.10%

Heber City TAX INCREASE - 31%

With an upcoming "Truth" in Taxation Hearing coming up on August 12 for a 31% increase in Heber City property taxes, due to the proposed $7.5 Million Public Safety building, here a few comparative costs for 'similar' recent buildings in the US.

			Sq Ft	Cost	Population	$/sqft	$/person
MN	Princeton	2012	22,540	$2,050,000	4,674	$91.00	$439.00
NH	Bow	2013	30,000	$7,700,000	7,519	$257.00	$1,024.00	Bond Failed
VT	Hinesburg	2013	3,500	$1,055,200	4,340	$301.00	$243.00
UT	WSU	2014	10,086	$2,500,000	25,000	$248.00	$100.00
MA	Wayland		30,000	$5,800,000	13,000	$193.00	$446.00
MN	Bayport	2013	20,000	$5,000,000	3,605	$250.00	$1,387.00
MN	Waseca	2013	26,000	$2,300,000	9,434	$88.00	$244.00	Remodeled Store
	average		20,304	$3,772,171	9,653	$204.00	$555.00
UT	Heber		22,000	$7,700,000	12,260	$350.00	$628.00
			8%	104%	27%	72%	13%	% higher than avg

• WSU is Weber State U.  and the population is student enrollment.
• Notice the the people of Dow, NH killed the bond vote. (req'd 2/3).  At least one other was were voted on, but Heber did not offer that option.
• Some were combined Fire and Police
• Heber proposal is twice the average in cost, 72% higher per sq.ft. and 13% higher per capita
• Notice Waseca was a remodeled Store, but I guess we can't say anything now about a remodeled school
• People also need to remember that in 2011 Heber passed a resolution to "Study" Public Safety - and failed to even initiate the study.  (see the previous post)

Addendum: Pleasant Grove Utah, Vote failed by over 2 to 1 margin, cut cost and trying again.

UT	Pleasant Gr	2013	??	$19,000,000
UT	Pleasant Gr	2014	49286	$14,980,505	35,000	$304.00	$428.00
	HC comp			95%	185%	13%	32%
			change	-21%

Addendum 2: Kaysville, UT     Vote Failed  57% to 43% in 2010, ignoring vote 2014

UT	Kaysville	2010		$4,500,000				Lost 57%
UT	Kaysville	2014	20,000	$5,500,000	27,000	$275.00	$204.00
	HC comp			-29%	120%	-21%	-68%

Disclaimer: I am not necessarily opposed to a new facility, merely the cost, size and adding the Justice Court, which could be handled IN, or BY, the Wasatch County Court facility.     PERHAPS, half the size/cost MIGHT be appropriate. 

For more info and details, check these links:

Heber City Public Safety Building recent History

The cost for the City to provide for the public safety of the Citizens of Heber amounts to 43% of our total budget. This is money well spent, but as a member of the council, I have deep concerns regarding how we will continue to find funding for the increasing cost of public safety.   Alan McDonald 29 May 2013

Heber City Council Meeting excerpts:

  30 Apr 2011  Councilman McDonald said the Police Department was 40% of budget. He suggested the City was still staffing the Police Department as if the population of Heber was 6,000. He suggested the City had to allocate more money to fund that Department or consolidate with Wasatch County--fund it and staff it like it should be or let it go. 

21 July 2011  Resolution 2011-07 – A Resolution to Complete two studies for a Five- and Ten-Year Public Safety Service Plan: Councilman McDonald moved to approve Resolution 2011-07 and appoint part of the Council to participate in that study. He said he did not think there had ever been a study of this kind done before.

Mayor Releases HL&P Board Members

Yesterday in a brief letter, Heber Mayor Alan McDonald dismissed two members from the Heber Power Board of Directors.

Why?   Apparently because he COULD!  

Here's the letter dated 21 May 2014 sent to Heber City Council members Heidi Franco and Kelleen Potter

No explanation, no 'thanks' for your service, just you're gone!  The two board members were appointed TO the Board only a few months ago.

After the three new Council members took their elected positions in January.  The meeting of 16 Jan began some of the controversy of HL&P Board appointments: (incumbent members felt the need to remain on the board, Mayor McDonald disagreed)    "Mayor McDonald indicated he spoke with Blaine Stewart who felt new members would adjust fine. Also, the Heber Light and Power Board bylaws indicated that the Mayor didn’t need the consent of the Council in order to assign other Council members to the board. Council Member Rowland asked to seek clarification on that section of the bylaws. Mayor McDonald read from the bylaws. Mark Smedley stated that language would hinge on

McDonald, Franco and Potter - Winners

Heber City:  With a low voter turnout(~22%) , Heber Voters selected new faces for local offices.  First time candidates Heidi Franco and Kelleen Potter were the top vote getters for Heber City Council.   Four year Council member Alan McDonald will assume the role of Mayor in January.

With about 220 absentee and provisional ballots still uncounted, it appears there will be no changes to the results.

	early	Heber North		early	Heber West		early	Heber South		total		$/vote
Franco	60	360	420	39	218	257	17	105	122	799	27.8%	$2.63
Potter	58	261	319	58	259	317	27	94	121	757	26.3%	$2.11
Hopkins	70	391	461	31	128	159	23	63	86	706	24.6%	$3.40
Goode	54	189	243	42	217	259	20	91	111	613	21.3%	$3.75
	242	1201	1443	170	822	992	87	353	440	2875
Early %	16.8%			17.1%			19.8%		Turnout	20.0%

McDonald	69	331	400	55	259	314	22	97	119	833	54.7%
Bardole	1	35	36	6	34	40	1	13	14	90	5.9%
Rowland	51	262	313	29	158	187	22	79	101	601	39.4%
	121	628	749	90	451	541	45	189	234	1524
Early %	16.2%			16.6%			19.2%		Turnout	21.2%

Heber City Election Information

With the Heber City Municipal Election fast approaching, voters need to become educated on the candidates.   Here is a podcast of a discussion/debate among the Four candidates, seeking to represent Heber voters on the City Council:

Impact 10-22-13  Pt 1 Heber City Council Candidates

Impact 10-22-13  Pt 2 Heber City Council Candidates

Brief notes, thanks to an informed, thankful listener activist: (listen to the recording, with the notes - it is sometimes difficult to realize who is speaking) 

Impact debate with Heber City Council Candidates.10-22-2013

Opening remarks.

• Goode. – small business owner, children, and what is done going forward isimportant. Diverse community with empty nesters, young families. Concerned about HL&P
• Hopkins – opportunity. We are growing, Need positive leadership. Managed growth. Business growth. Better communications within the council.
• Potter- Reagan… has 5 children. Sees growth. Feels its important to plan for and manage growth. Wants people participation in government.
• Franco.– loves the valley. Moved here 20 years ago. Wants to give back. Wants to preserve rural atmosphere, the agricultural base. Needs private market incentives to preserve the valley. Most balanced property rights. Concerned about water and air quality.

Q1. Enlargement of airport. Citizens oppose. Plans are being made. Will have to use eminent domain. Do you support enlargement of airport.

• Hopkins. Must be environmental study. Can’t use eminent domain on another city. Timeline is 8-10 years out.
• Goode. Must consider how it will help the city. Who uses. It’s use is largely outside Heber City. Therefore, we shouldn’t be the Park City Airport. Sees no reason to now.
• Franco. – must consult constitution. She is adjunct at U. Property rights. FAA can condemn property in Daniels. Heber needs to be a good neighbor. Don’t need to be bossing Daniel around. Right now not in favor because of property rights. Will come up for a vote on whether or not to accept federal money. Valley should not be a transportation hub. Preserve quality of life. No no no.
• Potter– Have not seen enough information. Concern about benefits. Must wait on environmental study. Can’t make a decision. Must clearly see benefits.
• 2013-2014 budget has improvements to the Airport. Has a right to get as much federal money as possible. Supports maintenance.
• Franco.…Landing fees stay in the airport fund. No money for general fund.
• Goode.. Money stays in Airport. Taxpayers will end up paying without getting a benefit. Taxpayers bear a burden but Airport solely benefits.
• Potter – need to study benefits. Needs impact study.

Q2. Should Heber try to get as much money as possible

• Franco. teaches it. Federal budget under pressure. It’s discretionary spending can’t be sustained. When interest rates rise, interest of debt is a problem. SS, Medicare aren’t paying for themselves. Heber needs to be as self-sufficient as possible.
• Potter We don’t have the option of opting out of the taxes so we shouldn’t opt out of the money.
• Goode. You’ve got to be careful with the attached strings. Too much top down. Too many entanglements. Get back as much as possible but be careful of the strings.
• Hopkins. Looks like agreement. Good for moving forward. FAA strings is a maintenance upgrade which only defines engineering standards. Wants to maximize. Has talked to over 650 and people have concerns about the airport. They want people to be accountable, who will make sound judgments etc.

Q3. Taxpayers should vote on bonds because it is citizens who are responsible. Would you support taking to the public? City just bonded for 1M.

• Hopkins. Vote taken by council. Much unanimity that you have public comment period. Expect council to be unified. Paul had to repeat the question about citizens vote. Would be in favor of setting a limit where above a certain level.
• Goode. Supports a limit. Wouldn’t vote on every bond, might suggest $1M or more.
• Hopkins. City wants to know there is a consensus.

Bob had to repeat the question. Do you favor an ordinance.

• Potter Low turnout. Water bond. Study for a year. Most citizens aren’t interested. People want to elect people. Would support a limit. Can’t throw out a dollar figure
• Potter. Every vote counts. There is a level of interest that is needed. Some issues may be too complex.
• Franco. Need to bring the city government to the people. More information on websites. Citizens should vote. It’s their money. It’s their full faith and credit.

Q4. Development and finances. What are your thoughts about fiscal impact of costs and what do you think of annexing to expand.

• Potter Cities and counties are different. Cities have higher density. More roads and infrastructure. Likes to see the open fields. How can we accommodate but contain the development. We don’t want sprawl.
• Goode. Single family homes may broaden tax base, apartments do not. High density isn’t always good. Why expand the boundaries? Who benefits. Must be tax efficient…small government…keep taxes as low as possible….must be business friendly. Empty nesters want families to come back and have a good job.
• Franco. Heber shouldn’t be looking to annex into north fields or south fields, or the east side where the water district is. Like transfer of development rights. Farmers can kept he land and sell the density to a developer but keep their land. Can then buy other land and use the density. Wants to reserve. Never been enforced. Need City and county to work together. Developers have been granted high density through zoning rulings. City allowing higher density than county. Must slow down the high density.
• Hopkins. Boyer development was very large. Need to look at it. Heber city finally got back to where they were in 2007 with sales tax revenue. Was a boon. Annexation and density, not sure where he stands. It should be studied.

Q5. Sales tax from Boyer, there was a debate on where to put it. Should tax be shared between county and city?

• Hopkins. Revenue should stay in city.
• Goode. If there was a legal and binding agreement, otherwise, no sharing. City took the impact.
• Potter… agrees with Goode.
• Franco. Likes the idea of cooperation.
• Goode.. Likes competition. Midway has Ridley’s which is a WalMart type of store. Has no problem with another location. We should work together.
• Franco. Doesn’t want cities giving away the farm to get the next store.
• Potter. Who pays the impact.

Q6. What is view of tax breaks for business?

• Potter Times when it is appropriate. Look at on a case by case basis.
• Hopkins. Favors subsidies to draw businesses to economic zone.
• Franco.. Doesn’t agree. Too many abuses where cities give away the farm and the rest of the taxpayers foot the bill. Thinks businesses should want to come here without the tax breaks.
• Goode. He has a small business in valley. Does want to see businesses relocate to the valley to create good jobs. Must be looked at on a case by case business.

Q7. How long should subsidies last

• Goode. 5 years but must look at type of jobs.
• Hopkins. Would have to study but would prefer a longer study for a large economic boost
• Potter…Agrees with Hopkins.
• Franco. Disagrees. Too much abuse.

Q8. Impact fees paid by city.

• Man bought lot, developer went bankrupt and didn’t completely finish the hookups. Man spent money trying to get his property rights. Impact fees originally paid must be reasonable and cover the impact. Bond fee paid by bankrupt developer.
• Potter NC
• Hopkins. Agrees with Franco. Land owner claimed that city employees had not been forthcoming in a change to the plat. He thought city bore some responsibility.
• Goode. Citizen told a compelling story but that the city may have opened itself up to additional lawsuits. What are the facts? The city refunded his impact fee and maybe should not have. Doesn’t know the facts.

Q9. If city was partially responsible…what measures?

• City lawyer should handle. Not convinced city made a mistake.
• Franco. City did the right thing. She studies bureaucracies. They can be approved. Zoning code in city is loose. In the case, doesn’t like the idea of city favoring one individual. Developer paid the bond to the city. It wasn’t the property owners fault. The bond had been paid to the city. That should have covered it.
• Potter Process is a red flag
• Goode.…Not the job of the council. Job of the attorney.
• Franco. It’s more than attorney. It includes the planning function. Must be careful and close loopholes so that it is fair.

Q10. City owns 75% of HL&P and board took money they didn’t deserve. Do you support in depth audit? The mess may be a tip of the iceberg.

• Franco. Yes. Should be a performance audit perhaps by the state auditor. No retroactive pay increases. No pay increases until intervening election.
• Potter Agrees. Audit needed to restore confidence.
• Hopkins. Year end audit. There will be a new board. Wipe the slate clean.
• Goode. Absolutely.

Q11. Cooperation between city and county is low. What would you do?

• Potter Police is an example of cooperation. What are other counties doing? Need to find common purposes and build relationships.
• Hopkins. Has worked for the county as a contractor. Has spoken to county council members. It takes will and leadership. Need the bypass
• Goode. Must work together, develop common goals, improve communications etc. Must also communicate with primary.
• Franco. Agrees. Need much more collaboration.

Q12 Treatment of public

• Potter You are being hired by the people. Need to reach out to them. Town hall meetings. Use social media. Bring government to people.
• Goode. When someone comes to council, they need to be treated with utmost respect. Need better communications. Would produce newsletters.
• Hopkins. Agrees.. Better communications, likes open comment period. From talking to people, would propose Heber City Listen…and electronic panel that could be polled by the city.
• Franco.. Need to bring government to people. Set up volunteer neighborhood groups that mayor and council could meet with.

Q13. What about payment on boards versus more citizen involvement in boards

• Franco. Constitutional principles. People must protect their own rights. Elected officials are like coaches. Most concentrate on the basics, the protection of rights.

Q14 Why vote for?

• Goode. Has MBA. Wants to improve valley.
• Hopkins. It’s about leadership. Coming up with positive solutions. Is a consensus builder. Moderate.
• Potter Has lived in lots of places. Valley has amazing people. Must bring people together. Will work with people.
• Franco. Wants to give back. Has PhD in polysci. Believer in good government.   

Here's a recent interview with Candidate for Heber Mayor, Alan McDonald.

Impact 10-21-13  Pt 1 Alan McDonald

Impact 10-21-13  Pt 2 Alan McDonald

Heber City Mayoral Candidate Websites.

Alan McDonald       “My mission is to provide local government leadership that improves the quality of life of Heber City residents by reducing the financial and regulatory burden imposed by the city, promoting economic growth and the success of local businesses, and preserving the character and heritage of the city."

Mike Bardole       "Accountability and Transparency"

Heber City Council 

Danny Goode      "If elected I will launch a new era of full transparency and accountability at City Hall. After every City Council meeting I will post to this website the agenda, minutes, and tell you my thoughts and explain my votes regarding city issues. You may not always agree with me, but you will always know where I stand."

Kelleen Potter     " I believe in good government.  Like a good recipe, good government requires some specific ingredients.    The beauty of local government is that it requires a certain level of consensus to accomplish anything."

Rod Hopkins     "I believe Heber City is a well-managed corporation due in large part to sound fiscal practices and a city staff that are very dedicated.  As a new member of the City Council, I would be in favor of continuing this conservative fiscal approach to the management of our city."

Heidi Franco     "I will protect the rural quality of Heber. I'm also a Zoning Judge.  I know how to protect what we love about Heber.  I will protect your property rights & stretch our tax dollars.   Let's grow & revitalize Local Business."

Heber City Race websites

Heber City Mayoral Candidate Websites.

Alan McDonald       “My mission is to provide local government leadership that improves the quality of life of Heber City residents by reducing the financial and regulatory burden imposed by the city, promoting economic growth and the success of local businesses, and preserving the character and heritage of the city."

Mike Bardole       "Accountability and Transparency"

Erik Rowland      (Resigned)    "Thank you everyone…"


Heber City Council 

Anissa Wardell    "As I make my way around the city and talk to people I have noticed that one of the top issues with most residents is what is happening at Heber Light & Power. It’s not a surprise that this is at the top of the list of concerns as Heber City residents we have the right to be concerned. "

Danny Goode      " If elected I will launch a new era of full transparency and accountability at City Hall. After every City Council meeting I will post to this website the agenda, minutes, and tell you my thoughts and explain my votes regarding city issues. You may not always agree with me, but you will always know where I stand."

Joe Chenworth       "He is a fiscal conservative.  His primary goal is to give a voice in local government back to the citizens of Heber City. "

Kelleen Potter     " I believe in good government.  Like a good recipe, good government requires some specific ingredients.    The beauty of local government is that it requires a certain level of consensus to accomplish anything."

Rod Hopkins     "I believe Heber City is a well-managed corporation due in large part to sound fiscal practices and a city staff that are very dedicated.  As a new member of the City Council, I would be in favor of continuing this conservative fiscal approach to the management of our city."

Heidi Franco     "Protecting Open space, clean air. . . your property rights.  Fiscal Conservative  Ethical Principles."

Mike Thurber

Heber City Budget (?)

From the financial audit back room.  

An Adventurer's Guide to The Heber City Budget  

a lot of questions, and a couple of answers.

 (It appears many of the answers may be Memorial)   

FY 2011 Increase FY 2012 Increase 2012 actual Budg v. Act FY 2013 2 yr Inc % of 2011/12 2012/13 2012 Proposal 2011/13 Budget Salaries $2,173,515 3.6% $2,251,750 9.1% $2,375,000 5.5% $2,456,170 13.0% 44.4% Benefits $887,956 29.1% $1,146,150 12.5% $1,025,000 -10.6% $1,289,350 45.2% 23.3% Improvements $0 $2,000 18990.0% $10,000 400.0% $381,800 6.9% Eqpt $109,857 218.9% $350,330 -32.2% $324,600 -7.3% $237,515 116.2% 4.3% Spec Supplies $153,510 0.0% $153,500 -11.1% $127,900 -16.7% $136,500 -11.1% 2.5% Insurance $112,667 4.7% $117,950 3.8% $118,929 0.8% $122,400 8.6% 2.2% Prof Tech Serv $114,509 12.2% $128,500 -3.5% $108,000 -16.0% $124,000 8.3% 2.2% Eqpt supp & mtce $12,303 768.1% $106,800 3.9% $98,000 -8.2% $111,000 802.2% 2.0% Jail & Disp $87,412 20.7% $105,500 1.7% $105,500 0.0% $107,325 22.8% 1.9% Gasoline $82,164 14.4% $94,000 3.6% $91,750 -2.4% $97,400 18.5% 1.8% Other $516,406 10.2% $569,000 -18.6% $623,359 9.6% $462,940 -10.4% 8.4% Transfers $660,000 $225,000 $100,000 Total (less txfr) $4,250,299 18.2% $5,025,480 10.0% $5,008,038 -0.3% $5,526,400 30.0% (By Dept) Police $1,719,922 16.3% $1,999,600 6.1% $2,046,143 2.3% $2,121,950 23.4% 38.4% Roads $468,716 30.8% $612,850 6.1% $505,800 -17.5% $650,275 38.7% 11.8% Cemetery $204,247 30.8% $267,100 141.5% $267,503 0.2% $645,000 215.8% 11.7% Admin $366,463 13.3% $415,050 -3.2% $394,116 -5.0% $401,800 9.6% 7.3% Animal Service $186,703 45.3% $271,200 17.0% $266,519 -1.7% $317,365 70.0% 5.7% Other $1,304,248 11.9% $1,459,680 -4.8% $1,527,957 4.7% $1,390,010 6.6% 25.2%

HC Budget questions, comments, highlights and lowlights. Pg references to online budget Surely, all the council members could explain this.

pg 2 Veterans Memorial $75K Donations, $88K fm Perpetual Care, $100K fm Cap Proj - where is the remaining $112K to make $300K?? From 2012? When was it approved? (See Cemetery pg 33 $380K)

Discretionary funds $58K Legislative, $25K Admin

pg 3 $4.3 MILLION on airport 4.5% HC ($193,612) (How much revenue did the airport actually produce? = see pg 37 etc) Extrapolate that expenditure per capita to 330 million people, that's $95 Billion No wonder the Federal Govt is $1 Trillion in deficit. At least Heber is doing/taking their fair (?) share. And consider that the "sequester" required cut backs in air traffic controllers. - Which is more important - blacktop on Heber airport or air traffic controllers?

pg 4 Hangars, two sold in 2012 - How much and where did the money go? (see pg 13, $60K 2012, $61.5 2013 - rentals??) Wait, pg 47 = $496K 2012 and $248K in2013 (what was the cost?) Hold on again - Cost of Sale $425K 2012 and $220K in 2013

pg 5 1.7% salary increase AND a 2% merit increase Total salaries up 9.1% from 2012 to 13 (up 13% in two years) New employees??? Benefits up 12.5% 1 yr and 45% 2 yr

City needed $273K from Surplus fund to balance 2012??? (NO, 2013, see pg 12) (Is this the $225K txfr, NO )

pg 8 HC has no other debt??? (Compare to pg 36)

pg 10 Assessed Property values down 25% since 2009 and 4% 2011 to 12 (of course the tax rate will be adjusted to offset for tax revenues)

pg 9 Golly Gee, the school tax rate is 7 times the city

pg 13 HL&P Dividend $225K in 2012/13 $174K in 2011 ? (Director FAUX Payin 2011 was $50K)

You gotta love "Contributions" from general funds (= txfr from rainy day?)

pg 2 4 Elections $13,700 - can you run two elections for that?

pg 26 Planning employee benefits doubled from 2012 to 13

pg 29 Animal Benefits up 72% this year ???

pg 37 Airport see Pig Book

pg 45 WATER Revenue $1.7 Million + $1.3 bond Expenses $1.8 Million (including $600K 'depreciation'

pg 46 SEWER $1 Million in $1/3 out (incl $350K depreciation)

pg 47 Hangar Revenue net 2012 $86K 2013 $28K $496K 2012 and $248K 2013 (what was the cost?) Hold on again Cost of Sale $425K 2012 and $220 in 2013 (that's a pretty big commission?)

pg 48 Hangar Utility Revenue 2012 $100K 2013 $69K (with salary benefits of $80K 2012 and $110 in 2013 (Who is the Ut. man, what does he do?)

pg 49 What in the world is "Internal Service Revenue?" Is that like the IRS, partying and spying? (see pg 4)

Where is the accounting of the various FUND balances? How much is there? (see pg 1 =$924,425 surplus rainy day fund)