The City of Fillmore continues to manage its complex utility infrastructure, including a municipal electric system and a multi-source water network, as residents utilize various payment and assistance options. City officials recently detailed the scope of these services, which include managing local power plants and coordinating with county landfill facilities.
Municipal Electric Infrastructure
Fillmore's electric utility, a system established in 1918, currently serves 1,250 customers. The city maintains ownership in several power generation sites, including a portion of the Hunter Power Plant in Emery County and the San Juan Power Plant in Arizona. Additionally, the city holds interests in the IPP in Delta and maintains a contract with the CRSP for power sourced from the Glen Canyon Dam.
To ensure reliable service, the city is a long-standing member of the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS). While the city manages its own electrical system, the network is maintained through a contract with Dixie Power. Residents experiencing electric outages are advised to report them to the city during business hours or call (435) 253-5100 after hours.
Water Resources and Irrigation
The city's water system relies on a combination of natural springs and groundwater. Key sources include the Water Cress Spring, located in the mountains east of the city, and underground water rights pumped from two wells between the months of April and October. To prepare for future growth, the city has also purchased water rights in Flowell.
To manage storage and distribution, the city utilizes five storage tanks with a combined capacity of 1,875,000 gallons. While the city maintains the primary water system, a secondary irrigation system exists for watering purposes. This secondary system is supplied by the Fillmore Water Users Association and is not administered through the city. The association is managed by Watermaster Brandon Bartholomew and Secretary Susan Kesler, with services available annually from April to October.
Resident Assistance and Payment
To assist residents with utility costs, the city offers an Equal Pay Plan. Available every October, this program is open to citizens who have been utility customers for one year and maintain a good payment history without any 48-hour shut off notices.
Under the plan, the monthly payment amount is determined each October, and credit balances remain on the account for future payments. However, customers must maintain a consistent history to remain in the program; two delinquencies during the October-to-October equal pay year will result in program termination. Participants may re-enroll after one year if they have had no delinquencies.
Energy Assistance Programs
For residents facing financial hardship regarding home energy costs, the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program provides support. The program opens each year on November 1 and concludes on April 30.
Those in immediate danger of utility shut-off are encouraged to contact the local HEAT office for crisis assistance. The local office can be reached at (435) 743-4060, while the state HEAT program can be contacted at (866) 205-4357.
Digital Payment Services
Fillmore City provides several digital tools to simplify utility management. Through a partnership with Xpress Bill Pay, residents can access a secure online payment system via xpressbillpay.com. This system allows users to pay bills using credit cards, debit cards, or electronic funds transfers.
Once signed up, customers receive monthly email reminders when their bills are ready for viewing. The city also offers mobile applications for iOS, Android, Google Play, and Microsoft Store Windows, as well as an interactive voice response system available in Spanish. Additionally, residents can request paperless billing through the city office.
City Governance and Leadership
The city's governance is led by a Mayor and five City Council members, all elected at large. Mayor Curt Hare serves a term ending in 2030, with council members serving staggered four-year terms.
Council members hold specific departmental responsibilities: Eugene R. Larsen oversees electricity, power, and the airport; Kyle Stevens manages the sewer, fire department, and cemetery; Michael B. Winget is responsible for streets, sidewalks, and garbage; Dennis W. Alldredge handles water, library, and planning; and Amber Rausch manages celebrations and parks. Payton Harris serves as the City Attorney.
Garbage and Landfill Services
Waste management in Fillmore involves a partnership with Millard County for landfill facilities. The city utilizes a transfer station located west of town on 400 North for household garbage dumpsters, while construction debris, inert yard waste, tires, and scrap metal are handled at the landfill located east of Fillmore on 500 North.
The landfill operates three days a week—Monday, Friday, and Saturday—with specific morning and afternoon hours, including a midday closure for lunch.