The Richfield City Council voted 4-0 on Oct. 13 to adopt a new ordinance regulating the use of surplus culinary water for agriculture, livestock, and other non-residential purposes outside city limits, a measure set to take effect Dec. 1, 2026. The decision comes as the council also moved to amend the fiscal 2026-27 budget to remove a tax increase previously denied by the Utah State Tax Commission.
Water Ordinance and User Concerns
The newly adopted Ordinance 2026-8 establishes rules for connections and the use of surplus water for purposes other than homes. The ordinance specifically targets about 13 identifiable users located outside city limits, such as those on the Annabella Road line, who receive stock water from the city.
According to The Utah Ledger, Lloyd Rickenbach, an attorney for property owners Greg and Katie Torgerson, requested amendments to the ordinance via a letter read into the record by Mayor Bryan Burrows. The request sought a one-month delay, written notice regarding water overages, a 30-day period to cure violations, and clearer definitions.
While City Administrator Michele Jolley noted that the city attorney advised passing the ordinance immediately and making changes later if necessary, Mayor Burrows stated that existing policies already allow for the repair of leaks and that individual notice is not strictly required, though the city would provide written notice to residents upon request. Councilmember Kip Hansen added that the city is not obligated to provide municipal water outside its limits and noted that residents have the option to annex into the city.
Budget Changes and Impact Fee Deferral
During the same Oct. 13 meeting, the council addressed a budget amendment following a denial from the Utah State Tax Commission. Financial Director Rob Jenson informed the council that the state denied the city's proposed tax increase after the council held more than one meeting during the tax increase public hearing. Consequently, the council voted 4-0 to remove the requested tax increase from the fiscal 2026-27 budget.
In another significant decision, the council approved an agreement with developer Brad Garfield to postpone the collection of impact fees on finished units. Under the new agreement, fees will be collected once a unit is sold, occupied, or after 180 days have passed, whichever occurs first.
Mayor Burrows cast the deciding vote in a 4-0 vote to approve the deferral, breaking a tie between Councilmembers Andrew Chappell and Brayden Gardner, who voted in favor, and Councilmembers Kendrick Thomas and Kip Hansen, who voted against. The decision followed a statement from Zoning Administrator David Anderson that the city had previously issued a zoning permit before collecting fees, and the new agreement serves to correct that error rather than set a new precedent. Hansen had previously argued that impact fees are set by statute and developers should be aware of them.
Development and Library Improvements
The council also approved a development agreement addendum for the Pioneer Lane project to correct a plat number and change ownership names. Additionally, a drive-through drop-off window for My Package Guy at 310 South 100 East was approved, subject to conditions recommended by the planning commission.
However, the council voted 4-0 to table a proposal regarding the library building. The tabled item involves installing piers under the building and replacing the front steps, pending the arrival of further bids. Two estimates for the project were discussed, totaling $67,640 and $82,800. City Administrator Jolley noted that the city would need to wait until next year to qualify for Community Development Block Grant funding for such work.
Historical Council Actions
The council's recent actions follow a period of significant administrative and legislative activity. At its Dec. 9, 2025, meeting, the council had approved a conditional use permit for a 14-unit multi-family development at 225 West 800 South, following a recommendation from the Planning Commission.
During that same Dec. 2025 meeting, the council also addressed a memorandum of understanding for the America 250 program. This agreement would allow the city to use the program's logo in exchange for $1,500 to promote the milestone during Independence Day celebrations.
In previous sessions, the council also dealt with property and utility matters, including the approval of a new contract with White's Sanitation. On Oct. 28, 2025, the council approved a rate increase for the sanitation provider, raising the base rate to $13.50 per month, a change necessitated by stabilizing costs following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Property and Infrastructure Issues
The council has also navigated long-standing property and infrastructure concerns. In November 2025, the council discussed a request from resident Judy Christensen regarding property erosion caused by the Cottonwood flood channel near 600 North and 700 East. Christensen claimed she had lost approximately 15 feet of her property due to maintenance efforts rather than natural erosion.
While Mayor Burrows expressed interest in inspecting the site, he noted that piping the flood channel was unfeasible. The council also reviewed a Planning Commission report from Dec. 3, 2025, regarding a conditional use permit for a short-term rental at 365 E 500 N, which was approved.
Interlocal Agreements
The city's administrative work includes ongoing collaboration with Sevier County. At a meeting on July 22, 2025, the council approved an Interlocal Agreement with Sevier County for Building Inspection Services. The agreement allows either party to terminate the arrangement and aims to improve communication regarding building permits and required improvements to ensure compliance with city standards.
Zoning and Development Planning
The council's discussions have also touched upon urban development and zoning. In late 2025, the Planning Commission discussed potential amendments to the RM-11 zone to cap development size and adjust open space requirements. Additionally, the commission reviewed proposals to limit the location of self-service storage facilities to manufacturing and industrial zones to prevent them from being placed in commercial or downtown zones.
