Lindon council adopts FY2027 budget, approves compensation changes and URS pickup for police

The Lindon City Council on June 15 adopted its fiscal year 2027 budget, approved a modest cost‑of‑living and merit framework for city employees and authorized a Utah Retirement Systems (URS) contribution pickup for police — a move staff said most peer cities have adopted.

Finance staff summarized the package before the council during required public hearings. The compensation proposal calls for a 2.4% cost‑of‑living adjustment effective July 4 and merit increases effective Jan. 2 after December evaluations; staff also recommended range adjustments for 12 positions following a market study. "We're recommending a 2.4% wage increase for the COLA," staff said, and noted total salary and benefits impacts are listed in the budget packet.

On pensions, the council approved Resolution 2026‑15‑R to pick up required Tier 2 URS contributions for public safety (police). Staff said the pickup is permitted by state code for public safety and that because of the city's current mix of Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees the change may actually reduce the city's overall retirement obligation compared with prior years.

Budget highlights approved by ordinance 2026‑11‑0 include a $250,000 transfer this fiscal year to a facilities fund with a further $500,000 planned next year (creating a $750,000 reserve for future land or facility needs), and a $200,000 transfer to support the recreation fund's shortfall. Council approved the package after asking clarifying questions about timing and fund balance projections; staff said the general fund is projected to end FY27 with roughly a 24% fund balance.

Staff said utility fee changes proposed for FY27 include a 5% increase to recycling charges (about 26 cents), a 4% increase to secondary (metered) water in Anderson Farms, and no sewer increase recommended tonight; solid waste increases will be absorbed by the city except for recycling. The council discussed whether enterprise fund transfers could be used to blunt rate increases for residents but took no separate action beyond adopting the budget.

Capital and operating items in the adopted budget include millions planned for water system improvements (including a new well and wellhouse and associated waterline connections), approximately $2 million in stormwater and ditch work, and $980,000 budgeted for ongoing road maintenance; staff also proposed a $450,000 street sweeper purchase and set aside funds for park impact fee projects such as a shade structure at Pleasant Brook Park.

Council recessed and convened as the Lindon City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) to adopt the RDA budget and a services agreement with the city; the RDA budget includes funding for affordable housing programs and a projected RDA fund balance of about $189,000 at the end of FY26.

The council ended the public meeting portion of the night by moving into a closed session to discuss potential purchase or sale of real property.

Votes at a glance: the council adopted Ordinance 2026‑11‑0 (FY2027 budget), approved Ordinance 2026‑12‑0 (subdivision code amendment) and adopted Resolution 2026‑15‑R (URS pickup for public safety); the RDA adopted Resolution 2026‑7‑DA for its FY27 budget and services agreement.