Sandy City Council Meeting - May 5, 2026: Budget Adoption, Annexations, and Police Headquarters Study

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 5:15 PM to 11:01 PM to address a 14-item agenda. Key actions included the unanimous adoption of five annexation ordinances, the tentative adoption of the Mayor's FY 2026-27 budget (approximately $200 million) with no property tax increase, and approval of a resolution to issue an RFP for a feasibility study for a new Police Department Public Safety Headquarters, including the Arbor Building in the study. The meeting also featured a contentious debate over the Mayor's budget presentation video, a public hearing on surplus property, and departmental budget presentations.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The council unanimously approved the draft minutes from March 31, April 7, and April 14, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Citizen Comment:
  • Pat Jones suggested the council hold a workshop on property taxes where the general public can participate.
  • Henry Butters thanked council members for their responsiveness and reported that a dog-related issue had been resolved.
• Public Hearing on Budget:
  • Dawn Sidwell felt time was wasted arguing over the video and criticized the council's opposition to the mayor.
  • Laurel Livezy did not understand why the video could not be shown.
  • Collette Engle commented on changes in Sandy and noted the council has worked hard; she also commented on the video.
• Public Hearing on Police Headquarters Feasibility Study:
  • Steve Van Marin expressed concerns about parking if a new public safety building is constructed.

Discussion Items

• Annexations (Items 1-5): Brian McCuiston, Community Development, presented five annexations: Wilcox (10275 S Altavilla Dr.), KSEL 2 (2811-2815 S KSEL Dr.), Apple Hollow Cove (3002-3020 E Apple Hollow Cove), Dimple Dell Cir (3046-3072 E Dimple Dell Cir), and Van Leeuwen (9520 S KSEL Dr.). All property owners had signed consents. The Planning Commission forwarded positive recommendations. No public comments were offered. The council adopted ordinances 26-41 through 26-45 unanimously (7-0).
• Public Hearing: Disposal of Surplus Property (Item 6): Dan Nelson, Real Property Manager, presented two remnant parcels at 8855 South Harvard Park Drive. The city proposes to trade them to a neighboring owner for 31 water shares in the Sandy Irrigation Company. No vote was required; the hearing fulfilled noticing obligations.
• Second Reading: Police Headquarters Feasibility Study (Item 13): Council Member Kris Nicholl presented Resolution 26-55C authorizing the city to issue an RFP for a feasibility study and formal needs assessment for a new Police Department Public Safety Headquarters. The study would likely cost in the six-figure range. The council discussed including the Arbor Building in the study, with some members concerned about timing given the recent purchase of the Arbor Building. The motion passed 7-0 to adopt the resolution and include the Arbor Building in the study.
• Public Hearing: Tentative Adoption of FY 2026-27 Budget (Item 7): Mayor Zoltanski presented the tentative budget (approx. $200M) and requested to show a 3-minute video. Council Chair Sharkey denied the request, citing a tight schedule and having denied similar requests from others. After a point of order and legal discussion, the mayor played the video during public comment. The council then adopted Resolution 26-57C tentatively adopting the budget, 7-0. Following adoption, Brian Kelley (Administrative Services Director) and Katrina Frederick (HR Director) presented the budget overview and compensation plan, including a 2.5% COLA, 2% extra for police/fire, step and grade adjustments, and 3% pay-for-performance for non-sworn employees. No property tax increase is proposed. The merger of Public Works and Public Utilities is expected to save $450,000 in FY27.
• Informational Item: Water Week, Water Conservation, and Great Salt Lake Update (Item 8): Tom Ward, Public Utilities Director, reported that Sandy residents have reduced water use by over 30% in 30 years. The city has a contract with the Great Salt Lake Trust to lease saved water, which may yield over $1 million in credits next fiscal year. Water Week events were highlighted.
• Informational Item: Public Works and Public Utilities Budget Overview (Item 9): Ryan Kump (Public Works) and Myrna Groomer (Public Utilities) presented their tentative budgets. Key points included a proposed snowy day fund for snow removal, fleet replacement needs totaling $6 million, waste collection fee increases (first can +$0.54, second can +$1.50, dumpster rental from $200 to $300), and $3.8 million in capital improvements for utilities. Richard Benham reviewed asset management and capital projects.
• Redevelopment Agency (Item 14): The council recessed to convene as the RDA Board. Casey Dunlavy presented an omnibus amendment to the Summit development agreement after an easement issue stalled the project. Developer Ron Radden outlined a plan to shift development to the west. The RDA did not vote; the item will be brought back for a vote on May 12. Discussion included whether to retain parcel three as open space or provide a right of first refusal to the developer.

Key Outcomes

• Annexations: Adopted five annexation ordinances (26-41 through 26-45) unanimously (7-0).
• Surplus Property: Public hearing held; no vote required.
• Police Headquarters Study: Adopted Resolution 26-55C, including the Arbor Building in the study, by a 7-0 vote. Council authorized the administration to issue an RFP; funding will require a future appropriation.
• Tentative Budget Adoption: Adopted Resolution 26-57C tentatively adopting the FY 2026-27 budget (approx. $200M) by a 7-0 vote. A public hearing on the final budget is set for May 26, 2026.
• RDA: No vote taken; item continued to May 12, 2026, with direction to staff to present options regarding parcel three (open space vs. right of first refusal).
• Consent Calendar: Approved minutes for March 31, April 7, and April 14, 2026.