Sandy City Council Meeting on April 7, 2026: 27 Annexations and Budget Preview

The Sandy City Council convened on April 7, 2026 at 5:15 PM to hold a public hearing on 27 proposed annexations, adopt a consent calendar item, and receive a preview of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget. The meeting featured extensive public testimony from property owners and residents, mostly opposed to the annexations, citing a desire for the proposed incorporation of Granite City. The Council voted to table eight annexations, approved one with an animal rights zoning amendment, and approved the remaining eighteen. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The Council adopted Resolution #26-51C (unanimous voice vote 6-0), indicating the intent to annex a parcel at 9561, 9563 and remainder of 9565 S Wasatch Blvd (approximately 7.82 acres) and setting a public hearing date. This was the LaCaille 2 Annexation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Akins (representing Walters): Opposed the Walters annexation, stating the property owners "vehemently oppose" being annexed and alleging past deception by Sandy City.
• Jeremy Anderson (representing Dean and Don Anderson): Expressed opposition and noted a letter of protest, arguing the annexations would thwart Granite incorporation efforts.
• Douglas Knight (property owner, Knight annexation): Said he was forced to sign a water agreement with no alternative; wants a choice between Sandy and Granite, and has concerns about loss of rural character.
• Rod Glover (property owner, KSEL annexation): Opposed annexation; wants the opportunity to vote on Granite incorporation first.
• Ron Byrd (property owner, KSEL annexation): Firmly opposed; stated he does not want to be annexed and criticized Sandy's tactics.
• Vaughn Cox (agent for Sieverts, and Granite incorporation sponsor): Asked the Council to honor an opt-out clause in the Sieverts water contract. He argued the annexations are a means to stop Granite's incorporation and deny self-determination.
• Gorm Klungedvik (Dimple Dell Road resident, 53 years): Opposed annexation; wants to keep rural atmosphere, does not trust Sandy City, and asked to postpone annexations until after the Granite vote.
• Mike Hansen (Granite resident, 39 years, attorney): Called the water agreements "contracts of adhesion" and unenforceable; urged the Council to let Granite citizens vote.
• Dave White (representing neighbors, Turning Point annexation): Opposed annexation of the Turning Point facility due to ongoing litigation and its commercial nature in a residential area.
• Jill Bauden (Granite resident): Supports Granite incorporation; questioned the ethics and requested a choice.
• Ted Baudendistel (Granite resident): Opposed coercion; called city actions misleading and dishonest; concerned about future charges for improvements.
• Craig Yale (Dimple Dell resident, 27 years): Called timing "disingenuous"; noted no speaker supported annexation; wants self-determination.
• Anna Bonis (Granite native): Emotional plea to allow Granite to keep its identity and have a vote.
• Deborah Kemper (Granite community member): Called annexations "distasteful" and expressed fear of Sandy's changes.
• Andrew Rothkopf (representing property owner): Questioned why his client's property was not on the agenda; staff explained it was tabled at Planning Commission.
• Jody Thompson (HOA president, Dimple Dale Ranchettes): Raised concerns about snow plowing, street lights, sidewalks, and a cell tower; argued residents should decide.

Discussion Items

• Budget Preview (Item 29): Brian Kelley, Administrative Services Director, presented a high-level overview of the FY 2026-27 budget. Key challenges included meeting service expectations, inflation (2.4% CPI), employee retention, and unfunded needs. Sales tax growth is projected at 1.4% over current year estimate. The proposed budget includes no property tax increase, a 2.5% COLA for all employees, an additional 2% market adjustment for police and fire sworn officers, and 3% performance pay for civilian employees. Other proposals include a merger of Public Works and Public Utilities departments (estimated $435,000 general fund savings and elimination of $11 million phase three building), $1.4 million one-time fleet replacement, $6.3 million for roads, and waste fund fee increases (e.g., $0.54/month for first can). Council members questioned compensation methodology, the merger savings, and performance pay policies.
• Council Direction on Management Study: Council directed staff to expand the current public utilities management study (by Matrix Consulting) to include an analysis of the proposed Public Works/Utilities merger, at an additional cost of $6,000, to be funded from council contingency.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to table: Passed 5-1 (Houseman opposed) to table annexation items 1 (Walters), 3 (Anderson), 5 (Miller), 6 (Pingree), 16 (Knight), 18 (Fricks), 19 (KSEL), and 20 (Altavilla 1) to a future date.
• Motion to approve Hilton annexation (Item 9): Passed 6-0, adopting Ordinance 26-15 with an amendment to add animal rights designation to the zoning.
• Motion to approve remaining 18 annexations: Passed 6-0, adopting ordinances for items 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27.
• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (6-0) adopting Resolution #26-51C for LaCaille 2 Annexation.
• Budget Direction: The Council directed staff to proceed with expanding the management study scope and will review the Mayor's Tentative Budget on May 5, 2026.