City Council to receive tentative FY2026 budget
Eagle Mountain City’s tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2026 will be presented to the City Council on Tuesday, May 6, marking an important step in the City’s annual budgeting process.
The next fiscal year budget aims to balance increasing service demands with long-term fiscal responsibility.
“Our city continues to grow at an exceptional rate, and that growth brings both opportunities and challenges,” said Finance Director Kimberly Ruesch. “This budget reflects our commitment to meeting today’s needs while also planning carefully for the future.”
The FY 2026 Tentative Budget emphasizes several key priorities:
- Infrastructure Investment: Significant funding is proposed for roads, utilities, and public facilities to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with population growth.
- Public Safety Enhancements: New sheriff’s deputy positions are included in the budget, including a School Resource Officer for the new middle school and an Animal Control Officer.
- Housing Attainability: A new staff position is proposed to coordinate efforts related to the City Council’s policy goals for affordable housing.
- Environmental Stewardship: The City will continue supporting the Open Space division created last year to conserve natural resources while managing development.
- Service and Efficiency Improvements: Investments in employee development, training, and software tools are aimed at enhancing service delivery and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Ruesch noted that the budget was built to reflect both public input and strategic direction from elected officials.
“We’ve listened to what residents are asking for such as better roads, responsive law enforcement services, environmental protection and affordable housing options,” she said. “This budget provides a path forward on all those fronts.”
Despite the growth and increasing needs, the FY 2026 tentative budget does not propose a property tax increase.
“We’re proud to present a balanced budget without a property tax hike,” Ruesch said.
The Online Tentative Budget Book will be available to the public on May 6 on the City’s “What’s Happening” page. It will include department-by-department budget requests, financial summaries of City funds, a five-year outlook for capital projects, and detailed information on the priorities driving this year’s budget.
“We want the public to understand how their City works and how their dollars are being used,” said Ruesch. “The Online Budget Book is designed to be transparent, accessible, and informative. We encourage residents to review it and be part of the conversation.”
The budget process will continue through the spring, with opportunities for public comment before the final budget is adopted in June.