Erda Council adopts 2024 meeting schedule, rejects moving meetings to fire station

The Erda City Council voted Jan. 11 to adopt Ordinance 24-01, establishing the city 's regular 2024 meeting schedule on second and fourth Thursdays at 7 p.m., after rejecting an amendment to relocate meetings to the fire station and purchase new audio-visual equipment.

Council discussion focused on whether the council should invest in portable recording and broadcast equipment to host meetings at the fire station. One council member proposed amending the ordinance to change the meeting venue and said $20,000 was budgeted for equipment; others suggested less expensive packages that could start at about $5,000, while staff recalled a prior bid near $18,000.

"We need to buy our own stuff," a council member said in favor of purchasing equipment that would travel with the city, while opponents raised concerns about spending before confirming a permanent meeting location and noted the current Tooele County Auditorium has stronger broadcasting systems for online viewers.

A roll-call vote on the amendment to move the meeting venue failed (several members recorded 'no'); a subsequent roll-call vote to adopt Ordinance 24-01 "as is" passed 4–1. The council chair said adopting the schedule does not prevent future study of alternative venues or procurement of equipment.

Why it matters: The decision sets the official calendar for public meetings and frames near-term choices about recording and remote access for residents. Council members emphasized fiscal prudence and the need to ensure reliable audio/visual access for remote viewers before changing venues.

Next steps: Staff will post the adopted meeting dates and the council may revisit venue, equipment procurement and any necessary budget adjustments in future meetings.