Brigham City appoints Tom Cotter as community and economic development director and approves associated compensation change

Brigham City Council on Jan. 18, 2026, voted to appoint Tom Cotter as the city's Community and Economic Development Director and approved an ordinance adjusting compensation for the executive municipal officer tied to that appointment.

City Administrator Derek introduced the appointment and explained the expanded supervisory duties for the role compared with the prior director, Paul Larson. Derek told the council the position will continue to supervise human resources and will also take responsibility for building inspectors, business licensing and planners. "Tom will be supervised continue to supervise the human resources group within the city," Derek said while outlining the responsibilities tied to the wage adjustment.

Staff said the compensation increase will be handled within existing general-fund budgets and requires no additional budget revision at this time. The council opened and closed a required public hearing on the compensation ordinance; no members of the public spoke on that ordinance. Council then voted to approve the ordinance (roll-call vote was announced as the format) and separately moved to appoint Tom Cotter; the appointment passed by voice vote. City Recorder Christina Rasmussen prepared to administer the oath of office following the appointment.

Mayor and city staff welcomed Cotter and noted he had returned from travel specifically to attend the council meeting. The council recorded the personnel actions as a priority for the year and said they expect Cotter to help shepherd the city's development and planning workload.