The Murray City Municipal Council Committee of the Whole held a work session on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to review several city reports and proposed resolutions, according to minutes published November 12.
During the session, which was conducted by Council Chair Adam Hock, officials discussed the city's annual financial report, community wellbeing survey results, and the current state of the local economy.
Finance Director Brenda Moore presented the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (CFR) for fiscal year 2025-2026. Robert Wood, a Certified Public Accountant with HBME, LLC, confirmed that an unmodified, or clean, opinion was given in the Independent Auditor’s Report.
Wood stated that this was the highest opinion an independent auditor could provide. He reported that the review showed no material misstatements in the financial statements and that the CFR was fairly presented according to governmental accounting standards.
Economic Development Specialist Elvon Farrell provided an overview of the city's economy, noting that Murray serves as a large employment center for industrial and retail sectors. Farrell reported that there are currently 3,800 business licenses in Murray and approximately 40.4 million annual visits related to shopping, healthcare, and recreation.
While Farrell noted that sales tax revenue growth has slowed since the significant increase seen between 2021 and 2022, he stated that revenues were not declining. He also discussed commuter flow patterns and noted that the city's business base has continued an upward trend since 2021.
The committee also reviewed the 2026 Wellbeing Survey Report conducted by Utah State University and Murray Recreation. Nicolas Holden, a Utah State Data Science Graduate, explained that the data collected would be used for statewide research efforts.
According to the report, Murray scored approximately average compared with other participating cities. The survey covered domains including mental and physical health, safety and security, living standards, and community connection.
Wastewater Superintendent Ben Ford discussed a resolution to authorize increased compensation for service on the Board of Directors of the Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility. Ford explained that the proposed increase would bring board member compensation in line with the average following a national and statewide study.
Ford noted that wage adjustments for the board had not occurred since 1989 and stated that funding for these adjustments would be allocated from the Wastewater Division fund. He added that Mayor Brett Hales, who serves on the board, does not receive compensation.
The work session, which took place at Murray City Hall in the Poplar Meeting Room, adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
