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August 16, 2021
MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
August 16, 2021
Moab City Council held a Special Meeting on the above date. An audio recording is archived at
http://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html; a video recording is archived at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoMzySbAVHs.
Mayor Emily Niehaus called the Special Meeting to order at 5:37 p.m. In attendance were
Councilmembers Rani Derasary, Karen Guzman-Newton, Tawny Knuteson-Boyd, Mike Duncan
and Kalen Jones. City staff in attendance included Manager Joel Linares, Assistant Manager
Carly Castle, Finance Director Ben Billingsley, Communications Director Lisa Church, Engineer
Chuck Williams, Human Resources Director Dani Guerrero and Recorder Sommar Johnson.
Attorney Laurie Simonson attended via electronic means. Five persons were in the audience.
Budget Review Workshop
Finance Director Billingsley presented the meeting packet. He said that, based on feedback from
Council, he shaped budget alternatives based on no property tax revenues and a property tax
that would raise $1 million. Councilmembers asked budget questions about transit expenses,
dispersed parking lots, funds from the Permanent Community Impact Fund Board (CIB) and
Class C Road funds. The proposed pay plan, attorney services and Dark Skies compliance costs
were discussed. Trail expenditures, funding the City’s “rainy-day” reserve, building inspection
expenses, planning staff and repayment of the affordable housing bond were all brought up.
Councilmember Derasary brought up a potential downward trend in Recreation Special Services
District and other special fund contributions due to reduced Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT)
contributions from oil and gas drilling. Councilmembers asked about shared costs for the Film
Commission, as well as statistics on County residents utilizing City recreation facilities and
programs. Other topics discussed included the consultant hired by the City to study expenses
related to the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center (MRAC), the limited uses of impact fees, and
traffic and parking enforcement ideas and their potential for generating revenue.
Councilmember Duncan stated he would likely support a property tax at a $1 million level, but
might decide against any new property tax. Councilmember Jones noted the ability to garner
revenue from tourists has approached its maximum. He noted local residents have asked for
more noise and traffic control, and added City streets, used by locals, are in need of repair. He
stated that, after more than a decade of inaction, the current Council is faced with a substantial
need for infrastructure funding and suggested he supports a tax higher than $1 million.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd cited constituent concerns about the proposed property tax,
and speculated that landlords would raise rents regardless of the proposed property tax. She
said she had not made a decision yet, and felt a property tax was warranted, and was leaning
toward the $1 million level, but added it may not be worth it due to the negative feedback from
the community. Councilmember Guzman-Newton stated there had not been enough time to
educate the public about the budget and the proposed tax. She expressed her gratitude to
members of the public who were paying attention to the budget process. City Manager Linares
thanked staff for their work on the budget.
Adjournment: Councilmember Jones moved to adjourn. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd
seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0 aye. Mayor Niehaus adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
APPROVED: __________________ ATTEST: ___________________
Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Sommar Johnson, City Recorder