CANDIDACY
"I have had a long career with public service defending our country and working for the public. I want to work for you as your councilman on January 1, 2020. I know what it takes to find solutions, navigate the governmental agencies, and get things done."
PLANS and GOALS
As a candidate in the general elections, I have the time, knowledge, skills and abilities to focus on Brighton’s immediate, short-term and long-term goals.
Immediate goals and needs include:
October (prior to elections)
January – June 2020 budget with Municipal Services District (MSD)
Developing Town Clerk job description
Funding Big Cottonwood Community Council
November
Securing space for town clerk and council
Website development (available after elections)
Final budget with Salt Lake County
December
Posting and selecting town clerk
Purchasing computer equipment and council meeting recording equipment
Board/Committee assignments i.e MSD, Salt Lake Valley Enforcement Service Area, Unified
Fire Service Area, Wasatch Front Waste, Central Wasatch Commission
Short-term goals
Ordinances reflecting town’s objectives
Fiscal year 2021 budget
Long-term goals
Traffic calming
Budget
Brighton operates on a fiscal year (July-June). The town's initial budget and administration will be made by The Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD). The MSD provides services for the five Metro Townships and the residents of Unincorporated Salt Lake County. As Brighton transitions from unincorporated county to a town, MSD will provide continued support and services for Public Works, Animal Services, Planning and Development, Engineering, Justice Courts, Municipal Prosecution and Indigent Legal Services.
Brighton's budget including a partial year (January-June 2020) not all inclusive wages and benefits, printing including municipal code codification, computer system purchases, council meeting recording equipment, office space rent, attorney fees, etc. Revenues supporting our budget not all inclusive sales and use tax, business licensing, planning and zoning, franchise fees, justice court fines, road fund allotment, resort room tax, etc.
Fiscal year 2021 budget will be presented at the regularly scheduled council meeting in May. This meeting is open to the public for comment. The final budget will be adopted in June.
Will this budget affect my property taxes?
NO. Brighton's funding sources are sales tax and property tax. Besides Canyon School District, our property taxes fund law enforcement, fire services and other county services. The town's operating budget is funded solely through local sales taxes. The State tax Commission has provided tax revenue projections (including the 1% local sales tax option (UCA 59-12-204)). These projections are sufficient to open our doors and provide basic services.
There is no immediate or projected need to raise property taxes for town funding. Additional revenues can be generated through other sales tax sources. As the number of visitors rises annually, additional funding may be derived from other sales taxes. The revenues are generated from tourist/guests visits allowing expansion of services. The additional taxes can include up to 1.1% Resort Community Tax, .05% Additional Resort Community Tax and 1% Municipal Transient Room Tax.
Ordinances
Currently Salt Lake County has over 150 chapters. Many of which will not apply but the council must review remaining ordinances. Many ordinances such as business licensing, administration and personnel, records management, GRAMA, real property and banking to name a few may need changes. Initially, adoption of applicable ordinances would be the prudent course of action. Future changes can be adopted to better reflect the needs of Brighton.
Emergency Management
The Big Cottonwood Canyon Community Council has been working closely with supporting agencies to develop our Emergency Operations Plan. The plan provides information for all residents in the event of a crisis. Implementation of the plan will require resources such as digital VHF radios, emergency supplies and storage.
Traffic Calming
Traffic Calming is the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized street users. The purpose of traffic calming is to reduce the speed and volume of traffic along a roadway to acceptable levels. Additional benefits of traffic calming could benefit noise reduction and wildlife protection.
* narrow lanes
* reduce speed limit
* expand uphill bicycle lane to accommodate downhill runners
* designated crosswalks and signage (Cardiff)