Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Payson City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues with low priority
Lobbyist Consulting Agreement
A proposed consulting agreement with Legislative Executive Consulting, LLC — reportedly $20,000 a month — was pulled from the consent agenda and tabled over cost and missing scope-of-work concerns.
Cemetery fee changes
Cemetery fees were updated, but the city clarified infant burials and resident veteran fees are NOT going up — confusing paperwork made it look like a jump from $600 to $850. Non-resident fees did rise, and the sexton now has discretion for special circumstances.
Building air conditioning failure
City Hall's AC finally quit — the unit had been budgeted for replacement three years running. Council told staff to get it fixed with money already set aside; expect AC back by next summer.
Trail renaming discussion
Matt Stewart suggested renaming some trails (Uncle Rico, Orange Gate, the equestrian trail) after historical Payson figures like James Pace. The committee liked adding historical names for new trails while keeping beloved existing ones.
Winter recreation grooming
Greg plans to groom trails for cross-country skiing again this winter, and Brad Dayton has volunteered to run the snow equipment for fat-bike grooming. Tree clearing done now helps make that possible.
Spring Creek regional trail corridor
The city wants the planned regional trail along Spring Creek preserved through the parcel, and initially asked Enbridge to build or fund it. Enbridge objected that the trail is out of scope; the compromise requires preserving the corridor so the city can build the trail later.
Chamber of Commerce partnership agreement
The updated MOU with the Payson-Santaquin Chamber adds a Payson Hometown Market, a shop-local campaign, and welcome bags for new residents. Santaquin now pays about $9,850 of the cost while Payson pays $12,000.
New city power plant online
Payson's power plant finished construction and started running August 1 after two and a half years of work. The director noted data centers, even off-grid ones, can strain the natural gas supply.
Payson City tartan and kilts for Scottish Festival
Councilmember Provstgaard pitched having a custom Payson City tartan and roughly 15 hand-stitched kilts for the council, royalty, police, and staff. Each kilt would cost about $1,000 and take about 42 hours of hand sewing, so the city could be pushing it to have them ready for next year's festival.
Proposed fall family walking event
A committee member proposed a family-friendly fall "spooky walk" in the canyon, possibly with the library, to introduce young kids and their families to Forebay trails.
Water conservation plan update
The consent-agenda update keeps rates tiered but raises no fees. Staff highlighted ongoing water audits, a planned conservation demonstration garden on American Way, and rebate eligibility through Central Utah Water Conservancy.
Indoor rodeo arena feasibility
A $50,000 state grant study found the arena would cost $96-152 million to build and run a $250,000-470,000 annual deficit. Councilmembers agreed it's a nonstarter without outside money, but the study serves as a roadmap if a partner ever steps forward.
Motocross study and Rocky Mountain ATV interest
The council kept an $80,000 motocross study in the budget but froze it pending more information. Hulet noted 20 years of work and Rocky Mountain ATV's promise of a national event; Moss worries the public won't welcome it.
Santaquin ends solid waste agreement
Santaquin told Payson its solid waste agreement is no longer cost-effective and will renew with its current carrier — meaning Payson got outbid on the regional contract.
Backyard goats on small lots
A resident asked the city to allow 2-3 miniature goats on lots under half an acre, citing a 350-signature petition from five years ago. Councilmembers Smith and Moss said they're willing to look into it.
Street tree care standards
An arborist told the council Payson trees along Utah Avenue are being topped and poorly maintained, and asked the city to standardize tree care. The state tree climbing competition is also coming to Payson for the third straight year.
City Fee Schedule and Innovation Center Fees
New fees let the city charge for Innovation Center services, plus cemetery, utility deposit and golf course changes. Bigger cemetery fee hikes are coming after a new sexton is hired.
Pioneer Valley Little League proposal
A Little League International charter is being formed covering Payson to Nephi, aiming for 250 kids and eight teams in 2026, with Salt Lake Bees groundskeeper help and business sponsors. Organizers want access to city fields as an extension of existing leagues.
SUMPA legal counsel question
Councilmember Provstgaard raised whether Payson will supply legal counsel to the South Utah Valley Municipal Water Association, as it has in the past; the council needs to discuss it soon since the association currently lacks counsel.
Peteetneet Museum preservation and donation
The restroom remodel at the Peteetneet has begun and is tracking under budget; the city opted out of a $900,000 portaloo/connection option and is doing the remodel directly.