by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com

On June 11, Richfield City council voted to increase compensation for elected and statutory officers for Richfield City employees, which includes the compensation for the mayor, council members, city administrator, police chief, finance director, city treasurer, public works director, and recreation director.

This increase comes in part of State Bill 8, passed by Utah State Legislature this last March 24, 2024 stating that this bill “provides funding for a 5% discretionary increase for officer of the Legislature, statewide officials, the Judiciary, and provides funding for other compensation adjustments as authorized (section 20-29).”

“The city has cut back on our expenses in certain areas and are giving back to our officers and elected officials,” said Rob Jenson, Richfield City finance director. “A year ago, we had a lot of projects going, like the Spring project, Nielson Warm Springs Park, and others that we had to match funding for grants.”

This year in the city budget, they have planned for less projects that require grants and contribution matches, creating a decrease in their budget or a “savings” compared to last years spending.

“The proposed budget this year is $9.4 million, and last year was over $10 million,” said Jenson.

“We have cut our 2024-25 year budget by just over one million dollars,” said Mayor Bryan Burrows during Richfield City Council meeting on June 11. “I think that says a lot about our workforce and our city employees going out and getting grants last year. We got about $11 million dollars worth of work done for a million dollar cost.”

The compensation increase for elective, executive, and statutory officials for the fiscal year of 2024-25 will increase for the Mayor, by $3,000 for the entire year, or $250 a month, the council members by $1,200 for the entire year, or $100 a month, and other officials will receive a 5% increase.

“It is not about the pay, that is just an extra bonus,” said council member Kip Hansen.