The Cedar Hills City Council approved several key fiscal resolutions and budget amendments during a meeting held on June 16, 2026. Among the approved items were the Fiscal Year 2027 interim budget and a tentative property tax levy for the upcoming tax year.
During the meeting, Finance Director Charl Louw presented the Fiscal Year 2027 interim budget, which is set to begin on July 1, 2026. This interim budget is required until the final budget is adopted in August 2026 following the truth in taxation process. The proposed interim budget totals $26 million, with sales tax serving as the largest revenue source at 37 percent and public safety accounting for 47 percent of expenses.
The council also voted to adopt a tentative property tax levy for the 2026-2027 tax year. The proposed general operations rate was set at 0.000880, while the debt service rate remains unchanged at 0.000245, resulting in a total levy of 0.001125. Louw noted that while the general operations rate is being increased to offset costs, the city is reducing the debt levy by approximately $106,000 because the golf course is carrying a greater portion of its original debt.
To bridge funding gaps for public safety services with American Fork during the interim period, the council approved a resolution to increase the public safety fee from $12.30 to $16.30 per month. Officials stated that if the property tax increase goes into effect, this $4 increase will be refunded or credited back to residents on their utility bills.
Waste management was a significant topic of discussion during the session. Neil Schwendiman of the North Pointe Solid Waste District reported that waste volumes have continued to increase, primarily due to construction and demolition activity. He noted that in 2025, the district handled approximately 329,000 tons of material.
Waste Management representative Blake Leonelli discussed recycling diversion rates, noting that Cedar Hills currently maintains a diversion rate of approximately 6-7 percent. Leonelli stated the goal is to reach 10 percent by the end of the year. He also provided data showing that through recycling efforts in May, Cedar Hills saved 267 mature trees, 42 cubic yards of landfill airspace, nearly 70,000 kilowatts of electricity, 64 metric tons of emissions, and 65,000 gallons of water.
The council also reviewed the Fiscal Year 2026 Fraud Risk Assessment Report. City Manager Chandler Goodwin reported that the city scored 370 out of 395 possible points, placing it in the very low risk category. The assessment highlighted that the city maintains proper separation of duties and has various written policies to discourage fraud, including ethical behavior and procurement policies.
Other business included an awards presentation for outstanding seniors from Lone Peak High School and reports from the Recreation Director regarding summer camps and golf clinics. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation.
