League board approves modest dues change and Q2 budget; staff reports $1.51 million surplus

The Utah League of Cities and Towns board voted to adopt staff-recommended Option 1 for the 2026 dues formula and approved the organization's Q2 budget report and accompanying check register during its January board meeting.

Staff presented the Q2 report covering July–December 2025 and told the board the league has collected just under 87% of general revenue and that, "Overall with the first 6 months gone by the league is, $1,510,692 revenue over expenses and the finances are in good shape," according to Nick, the staff member presenting the report. Staff noted membership dues make up roughly 70% of general revenue and that sponsorship revenue lagged expectations.

The dues presentation explained two options developed after December discussion. Cam, an executive staff member, said the board had been "targeting an overall aggregate, dues increase of less than 3% in fiscal year 2026" and described Option 1 as allowing modest growth (about 2.4% aggregate) while Option 2 would minimize property-value-driven growth to near zero. After board discussion about disparate municipal impacts—members noted some resort and fast-growing communities face larger changes—the board moved and adopted Option 1 by voice vote.

Board members also approved the Q2 budget report and check register by voice vote after staff highlighted that the LAA (Local Administrative Adviser) appropriation from the state was reduced in 2025 and that staff are working with state partners to seek restoration.

What happens next: staff will finalize dues notices for membership and proceed with the usual March billing timeline; they will also continue outreach to the legislature on the LAA funding question.

Attribution: Quotes and data are drawn from the Q2 presentation and dues discussion presented to the board during the meeting. The board recorded voice votes rather than roll-call tallies.