Council reviews proposed FY27–28 community development budget; COLA, new positions and chamber membership debated

At the Herriman City Council work meeting on May 13, city finance and community development staff presented the proposed FY27–28 community development budgets, personnel requests and compensation changes ahead of the tentative budget adoption.

Kyle (staff) outlined department requests and one‑time items: a part‑time community development administrative assistant to assist with a software conversion and knowledge transfer related to an imminent retirement in the department, computer replacements classified as one‑time expenses, and a modest operating budget for subscriptions and memberships. He also described an ongoing planning restructure and a request to house a Placer AI subscription in GIS for visitation‑analytics use across economic development and events.

On personnel, staff proposed a 3.21% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for all city employees (the 10‑year CPI average) plus individual merit increases tied to satisfactory performance reviews. Kyle noted a 5.7% medical premium increase and other insurance adjustments; the city pays 80% of premiums and employees 20%. He also described a market adjustment proposed for the mayor and city council that would require a separate public hearing if the council chooses to proceed.

Councilors asked for fiscal clarity on multi‑year implications of adding positions and whether revenue sources (new growth property tax, general fund balances) would support ongoing costs. For police‑related positions, staff said some hires would be funded from new‑growth property tax revenue; other positions would require ongoing funding and will be evaluated in the updated growth‑silo model to be presented at budget adoption.

A $4,000 line for chamber membership prompted debate: some councilors questioned overlap with other regional chambers and asked staff to gather clearer metrics on the city benefit or ask the chambers to present to council before renewal.

Next steps: staff to present the full tentative budget and the growth‑silo update at the June meeting and to schedule required public hearings for compensation changes and other items as needed.