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2023 Budget

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1. What is fund budgeting & why do you use it for municipal budget?

In government, we use fund accounting (not to be confused with fun accounting). Different revenue sources can only be used to pay for specific expenses. These differing revenues and expenses are tracked in separate funds (accounting books).

The different budget funds are shown in the following graphic (click to enlarge): 

2. How much of my property tax goes to Bluffdale City?

3. Our property values go up every year plus new homes are built, why do you need to raise our property taxes?

Property tax is calculated to be revenue neutral, generally meaning that when property values increase, the property tax rates decrease. Or, when property values decrease, the property tax rate increases. So, even if your property value increases, that doesn’t mean the city will get more revenue. This is why the Certified Tax Rate (CTR) changes each year. 

Also, only a small percentage of the overall property tax comes to Bluffdale City. Other entities like Jordan School District and Salt Lake County, also levy taxes on your property. They can choose to change their CTR to increase the amount of revenue they receive. They also have Truth in Taxation notification process, just like the City does. 

The amount of increase the City is proposing will increase the property tax revenue overall around $570,000. 

4. Where did the $16.57M capital projects funds come from and how was that money attained?

The Capital Projects Fund primarily is comprised of state and county grants, state legislative allocations, federal ARPA funds, and proceeds from our UDOT PRB transaction. These are restricted funds.

5. What capital projects are being funded from the $1.16M transfer from the general fund?

The FY2023 budgeted transfer is Federal ARPA funds that are restricted in their use.  The Council has directed that the money be spent on one-time major equipment costs in the Fire and Police departments.

6. How much does it cost to raise all salaried employees outside of fire and police by 5%? How much could we save if we only raised salaries by 2%? How much does it cost us to raise salaries by 5% for an

The 5% increase in salaries increases the General Fund costs by $167,858. Increasing salaries by 2% increases the General Fund costs by $67,642.  Our model is not designed to calculate raises based on a specific salary level. 

7. What exactly will the proposed tax increase of $500k be used for?

100% of the proposed tax increase is restricted to be used in the Fire and Police Protection Fund. It cannot be used for any other City purpose.  It will be used to fund increases in salaries in the fire and police departments and to hire full-time, frontline fire fighters so that there will be 2 full-time, frontline fire fighters in the stations on each of of the 3 shifts -- A,B & C. 

8. If we raise property taxes, will we definitely have enough money for fire and police the year after? Or is it possible that property taxes would have to be increased again in the near future?

The City Council will re-evalutate any future needs each year.  

9. What are the fees in lieu & personal property taxes in the general fund revenues?

There are certain things -- like car registrations -- that are not taxed but rather pay a fee in lieu of a tax.  Businesses that hold personal property pay taxes on that personal property. 

10. Why is the lease to LBA going up by $500k in 2024?

An increase will not occur in 2024 and has been deleted.

11. Can we move money back and forth from the General Fund to the new Public Safety fund and vice versa if needed?

 We cannot transfer money from the Fire and Police Protection Fund back to the General Fund. We are transferring money from the General Fund to the Fire and Police Protection Fund. 

12. Why can’t we have a couple budget proposals or options to see what the tradeoffs would be without a tax increase?

Without the tax increase we would reduce our police services and not hire full-time, frontline fire fighters nor give any raises to fire department personnel. 

13. Instead of increasing reserves by $1.7M, can you only increase it by ~$1.2M and use the rest to fund the fire department?

Under the City Council's direction, our fiscal policy is to pay recurring operating expsenses with recurring revenue sources.  This is one-time money.

14. Instead of transferring ~1.2M out of the general fund to pay for capital projects, can you use some of that money to hire firefighters instead?

Capital projects are only paid from the restricted Capital Projects Fund.  The Capital Projects Fund cannot be used to pay for operating costs.  

15. Instead of increasing everyone’s salary by the full 5%, can you identify a lower rate of increase and use those savings to pay for the additional firefighters that are needed?

The City Council directed a 5% salary increase across the board to improve the City's ability to retain and hire needed employees in all departments.

16. Can you educate citizens to shift a portion of their regular purchases to true online retailers through education, social media, and community outreach?

The City has successfully promoted increased sales tax revenue from online sales.   Any specific programs you would like to recommend and help push will be welcomed. 

17. Can you keep fire/police in the general fund so we can make better decisions about the whole budget and have fewer restrictions about how to use our total revenues?

Last year our residents asked for a  transparent way to track the costs of our Fire and Police Services.  They want to be able to verify that a proposed property tax increase would be used to pay for improvements in our Fire and Police Services. The accounting in the Fire and Police Protection Fund clearly and transparently shows the sources of the revenue and where the money is being spent. No money can be transferred out of this fund to pay for any other City needs. 

18. Why not start with just a couple of full time firefighters and build on that without increasing taxes?

The council agrees with our firefighting professionals that 2 full-time, frontline firefighter positions this year is the appropriate starting point.

19. Are the multi-million dollar surpluses in the general and other funds being appropriated for Public Safety?

Under the City Council’s direction, our fiscal policy is to pay recurring operating expenses with recurring revenue sources. The surpluses are one-time money. The events that create surpluses vary and are not a reliable base for paying for major recurring costs. The public safety surpluses primarily represent daily positions that were not filled. It is expected that changing two of those positions to full-time in FY2024 will reduce the unfilled positions and, thereby, reduce or eliminate the surplus in the fire department.   

Even with 100% of property taxes going to the new fund, those taxes pay for less than half the cost. We will supplement the new fund with over $5 million from the General Fund. With no property taxes in the general fund, it will rely on less stable revenue sources to make up the difference.

20. How can I get help understanding our City budget?

• Contact the City Council members via email or during Council Chat on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. 
• Contact Mayor Hall via email or during Meet with the Mayor on the 1st Wednesday of each month. 
• See the Mayor's Messages on budgeting in the Newsletter
  • July 2022: Overview of Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget
  • November 2022: City Department Responsibilities
  • January 2023: City Budget FAQs
  • June 2023: 100% of Property Taxes for Public Safety
• Talk to the Finance Department

21. Are there any assistance programs through Salt Lake County for tax relief?

Salt Lake County offers a tax relief program for those who qualify. You must apply by September 1, 2023. They also have other assistance programs, like rental relief, available. Learn more about the programs and see if you qualify at slco.to/TaxRelief or slco.to/AssistancePrograms.  

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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

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1. What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

• Definitions (Refer to Bluffdale City Code (BCC) 11.20.020
  • ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU): A habitable living unit added to, created within, or detached from a primary dwelling and contained on one lot for the purpose of offering a long-term rental or occupancy of thirty (30) consecutive days or longer.
  • ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT, DETACHED (D-ADU): An accessory dwelling unit, located in a permanent structure with a permanent foundation, detached from a primary dwelling for the purpose of offering a long-term rental or occupancy of thirty (30) consecutive days or longer. 
  • ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT, INTERNAL (I-ADU): An accessory dwelling unit created:
    • Within a primary dwelling;
    • Within the footprint of the primary dwelling at the time the internal accessory dwelling unit is created; and
    • For the purpose of offering a long-term rental or occupancy of thirty (30) consecutive days or longer. 

2. Where are ADUs allowed?

• Internal ADUs (I-ADUs) shall be a permitted use in all primary residential zoning districts, mixed-use zones, and special district zones within single-family dwellings on parcels greater than 6,000 square feet.
• Detached ADUs (D-ADUs) shall be a permitted use in all primary residential zoning districts, mixed-use zones, and special district zones on individual lots or parcels that contain no more than one single-family dwelling.
• An application for an ADU shall include documentation, using forms provided by the Planning Department, that demonstrates an owner occupant resides in the primary dwelling or the ADU on the property pursuant to subsection 11.340.040(I).

3. How many ADUs are allowed on a property?

One ADU of any type is allowed per qualifying parcel or lot.

4. What are the benefits of getting an ADU permit?

• Creates a legal way to create a 2nd (accessory) dwelling on your property/within your dwelling
• Provides a safer way to create another dwelling unit, by requiring an ADU to be compliant with adopted building and fire code standards
• Assists in the provision of moderate-income housing or more affordable housing within the city
• Provides a housing opportunity for those who may need a smaller space, more affordable space, or a space near family due to age or other life transitions

5. Where can I find an ADU application?

ADU Application

6. How to apply for an ADU?

• Provide a complete application to the building department 
• Be sure to provide the following information along with all other required application materials
  • Site plan, floor plan 
    • Off-street parking stalls req’d

7. What are the code requirements for having an ADU?

ADU Ordinance can be found in the City Code Section 11.340.

8. Does having an ADU mean I can have a short-term rental or AirBnb?

ADUs are not allowed to be used as short-term rentals and require occupancy of 30 days or greater.

9. Types of ADUs

Detached (D-ADUs) & Internal (I-ADUs)

10. Key Standards for all ADUs*

*Refer to BCC 11.340.40 for all standards. 

• Size: ADU cannot exceed 50% of gross sq. ft. of main dwelling 
• Only one ADU allowed per property
• Separate utility meters may not be installed for any I-ADU or D-ADU.
• No separate addressing
• Total residents in an ADU cannot exceed that number allowed for a “family” (refer to BCC 11.20)  
  • Family 
    • One person living alone;
    • Two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption, or factual and functional equivalent living together in a single dwelling unit and maintaining a common household; or
    • Not more than four (4) unrelated persons residing together as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit.

11. Key Standards for D-ADUs*

*Refer to BCC 11.340.050 and underlying residential zone for all standards  

• A D-ADU shall comply with the same setbacks for an accessory building in the zoning district in which the lot or parcel is located.  Regardless of size, a D-ADU cannot be created within a building or structure which has utilized the reduced side and rear setbacks allowed for small accessory buildings or structures found in BCC 11.160.260.  All structures shall also comply with the maximum lot coverage percentages for the zone in which it resides. 
• The height of a D-ADU shall conform to the height limit specified for accessory buildings in the zoning district in which it is located.
• Balconies on a D-ADU shall be located on the interior side of the lot and building, not adjacent to a rear or side yard shared with a neighboring residence, and:
  • Shall not exceed 80 square feet in size when located above the ground level of the building;
  • Shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from a side or rear yard lot line unless the applicable side or rear yard lot line is adjacent to an alley;
  • Rooftop decks or second-story decks are prohibited on an accessory structure used as a D-ADU.
• Two off-street parking spaces required (not including 2 spaces for main dwelling), as shown in diagram – Refer to 11.340.040 

 

• A D-ADU shall comply with all building construction and fire codes in effect at the time the D-ADU is constructed, created, or subsequently remodeled, including obtaining the required building and other permits.
• D-ADUs shall be a permanent structure anchored to a foundation which meets the adopted building codes. Trailers, mobile homes, tiny homes with wheels, and other portable or temporary structures, or structures with wheels shall not be permitted as a D-ADU.
• Entrance Locations. The entrance to a D-ADU shall be located:
  • Facing an alley, public street, rear or side façade of the primary dwelling, or rear yard of the single-family dwelling on the same property.
  • Facing a side or rear property line provided the entrance is located a minimum of 10 feet from the side or rear property line if at ground level or first story level or 20 feet from side or rear property line if above the first story.
  • Exterior stairs leading to an entrance shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from a side or rear property line.
• Exterior stairways and landings shall not encroach within 20 feet of an adjacent property containing a single-family or townhome residence.

12. Standards for I-ADUs*

*Refer to BCC 11.340.060 for all standards

• One off-street parking space required (not including 2 spaces for main dwelling) Refer to 11.340.040
• Location: An I-ADU must be enclosed within the primary dwelling
• Entrance Locations. Entrances to an I-ADU shall only be permitted in the following locations:
  • An existing entrance to the single-family dwelling;
  • Exterior stairs on lots other than a corner lot, leading to an entrance above or below the first level of the principal structure, may be located on a side or rear elevation of a building;
  • Located on the rear facade of the dwelling.
• Ownership: The single-family dwelling and the I-ADU shall remain in single ownership and either the single-family dwelling or the I-ADU shall be owner-occupied in accordance with 11.340.040

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Animal Control

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1. How many horses (livestock) can I have?

No more than 2 large animals per 1/2 acres. Contact animal control or planning for setbacks of corrals and other accessory buildings that may house animals. Be aware of nuisance orders, noise and smell.

2. Is a kennel permit allowed?

Yes, a kennel is allowed with 1-1/2 acres and no more than 5 animals total.

3. Is dog licensing required in Bluffdale?

Yes, within 10 day s of getting the animal the dog will need to be licensed. No more than 3 dogs per lot. Rabies vaccination and licensing is due December 31st of each year.

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Business Licensing

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1. What is a Business License?

A Business License is city permission to operate a legal business within the boundaries of the issuing government body. In Bluffdale City Ordinance 3-1-1, the term 'business' includes all activities engaged in within the city carried on for the purpose of gain or economic profit, except that the acts of employees rendering services to employers shall not be included in the term business, unless otherwise specifically provided.

2. Who Needs a Business License?

All businesses being conducted from a location in Bluffdale City are generally subject to licensing requirements. However, certain business professions are specifically exempt by the State of Utah from license fees. Even though these professions are exempt from license fees, they typically are not exempt from the rest of the license process including filing a valid license application and completing necessary safety inspections or zoning requirements. 

If your business will be located in a commercial zone, it is advisable that you contact the Planning and Zoning department at 801-858-0510 for specific zoning requirements and restrictions prior to signing a lease or filing a license application. If you are not sure that your business requires a license or if you feel that your business may qualify for a special exemption, you may contact the Business License office directly at 801-254-2200 for clarification.

3. How do I apply for a Bluffdale City Business License?

Please contact the Business License Official (801-849-9402) for specific forms, information and requirements if your business entity is:

• Temporary or itinerant in nature
• Involved with the sale or consumption of alcohol
• Door-to-door soliciting or mobile vending
• A sexually oriented business
• Firearms dealer
• Pawn shop or a second hand dealer
• Massage Therapy Establishment

If the State of Utah requires a license for your profession, you will be asked to submit a copy at the time of application.

The State of Utah, in cooperation with several local government entities, has developed a "One-Stop Business Registration" website.  This website streamlines many of the processes for registering a new business. The site is available 24 / 7 and will guide you through a series of questions designed to determine which State or Federal registrations and forms are applicable to your type of business. Many of the assigned tax numbers, business registrations and accounts assigned through this site are a necessary precursor to the business license process. It is easy and a lot less time consuming and cumbersome than physically visiting each agency in person.

A Bluffdale City license is required in addition to any state license

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City Recorder

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1. How do I request records from the City?

Fill out and submit the attached GRAMA Request Form.

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Emergency Management

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1. What are the flood concerns in Bluffdale?

The areas near Rose Creek and the Jordan River are the most susceptible to flooding. 

All residents may reach out to the Public Works Department at 801-254-2200 to request sandbags. 

Review these map resources to learn more: 

Salt Lake County Floodplain Map:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5e0fdc6fc3de4e89937ba199afb6828f

State of Utah Flood Risk Map: 
https://floodhazards.utah.gov/property-owners/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM): 
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search

Possible flooding is more likely if your home, residence, or business is located within a FEMA regulated 100-yr floodplain (1-percent Annual Chance Flood) special flood hazard area (SFHA).  

2. What about neighborhoods with high ground water?

Residents in neighborhoods with high groundwater levels should check their sump pumps to ensure they are in working order, landscaping, gutter drainage.  

3. Are the canals a flood risk?

The four main canals that flow through Bluffdale are not typically a flood risk, as they are not filled until at least April 15th, and canal companies control water levels. Much like the canals, the amount of water allowed into the Jordan River from Utah Lake is controlled. The Jordan River will see more significant flows but should not see volume above the flood rim level. 

4. Is the Jordan River a flood risk?

The Jordan River will see more significant flows but should not see volume above the flood rim level. The flows through the Jordan River are controlled, but groundwater levels may be high in areas near the river, so it's important for residents who live in those areas to check to make sure their sump pumps are in working order. 

Learn more about potential flood areas:

Salt Lake County Public Works Map
https://slco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ed68dc2b532f432db3f1d17dee1042bc

State of Utah Flood Risk Map: 
https://floodhazards.utah.gov/property-owners/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM): 
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search

Possible flooding is more likely if your home, residence, or business is located within a FEMA regulated 100-yr floodplain (1-percent Annual Chance Flood) special flood hazard area (SFHA).  

5. What can I do to prepare for flood risk?

All residents can take action to prepare their homes for extra moisture, whether in spring storms, high groundwater, or flooding.

Some of those actions include 

• Checking rain downspouts to ensure they point away from your home and away from window wells
• Placing your garbage can further from the curb on garbage day to allow water to flow freely down the street
• Ensuring your landscaping is sloped away from your home and window wells
• Clearing storm drain inlets around homes
• Protecting your property by having flood insurance

Find more information on these websites: 

Salt Lake County Flood Preparedness: 
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5e0fdc6fc3de4e89937ba199afb6828f

Be Ready Utah: 
https://beready.utah.gov/utah-hazards/flood/

6. Where can I pick up sandbags?

Call the Public Works Department at 801-254-2200 to request sandbags and find out where to pick them up. 

Bluffdale City is providing 10 sandbags per household. 

Salt Lake County residents can get up to 25 sandbags. Find more information at https://slcoem.org/sandbag-locations/

7. Where can I find out more about sandbags?

Residents are encouraged to visit the SLCO Flood Preparedness website to review the information provided regarding sandbags and other recommendations for use in preparing for flooding events: https://slco.org/flood-control/flood-preparedness-manual/.

8. Who should I contact if I see flooding?

Contact the Public Works Department if you notice flooding in the City. During normal business hours at 801-254-2200 and after hours and on weekends at 801-559-7783. 

If you see areas of overland flooding along rivers, creeks, streams, canals, or areas of channel erosion, call Salt Lake County Flood Control at (385) 468-6600.

9. Who do I call if I see a blockage/debris build-up?

If debris is within local roadways or intersections, contact our public works department at 801-254-2200 for those local drainage problems. If you need to contact them after normal business hours and on weekends call 801-559-7783. 

If the debris is in a river, creek, stream, or canal, contact SLCO Flood Control at 385-468-6600. 

10. Why are you asking residents to keep drains clear of debris, isn't that the job of the city or Fire Department?

City and County resources are spread thin and do not have the staff to respond immediately to every storm drain inlet that is blocked and needs to be cleared. This is why we are asking residents to help if they see small debris (small branches, sticks, and leaves) blocking or clogging roadside storm drain inlets by using a rake and removing and disposing of the debris. This is a quick and easy way to reduce the chances of small nuisance flooding. 

11. What if I have more questions?

Feel free to reach out to Public Works or the Emergency Manager, Bart Barton, at 801-258-2200. 

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Human Resources

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1. How do I apply for employment with Bluffale City?

To apply for an open position, please submit a Bluffdale City Employment Application and resume to Bluffdale City Corporation, 14350 South 2200 West, Bluffdale, Utah 84065 or email to sthayer@bluffdale.com. For further information, contact Bluffdale City Human Resources at 801-254-2200.

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Planning

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1. Where can I find the Bluffdale City code?

Bluffdale City Codehttps://bluffdale.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=PREFACE

Bluffdale City Code

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Trash & Recycling

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1. Which color of can is for what?

• Green=GARBAGE pickup is every week on your regularly scheduled day. 
• Blue=Becomes New (Recycle) pickup is every other week on the same scheduled day as trash.
• Yellow=YARD Waste pickup is every week on the same scheduled say as trash, March through November. Residents only pay for green waste 9 months of the year.

2. How do I order extra garbage, recycle or green waste containers?

To order extra containers, complete the Add/Remove Cans form or call 801-254-2200. See rates chart for current rates.

3. Where can I dispose of hazardous waste?

Visit Salt Lake County Health Department for information on the disposal of hazardous waste.

4. Where can I dispose of glass?

Glass can be dropped off at the Draper City Public Works Facility (72 E. Sivogah Court - 14525 S.) or in Riverton at 13500 S 4050 W   Their hours are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

5. What is my garbage / recycle pick-up day?

Interactive Map              Recycling Calendar                       Recycle Map 

6. Will holidays affect my garbage / recycle pick-up?

The following four holidays could delay your pick-up: New Year’s Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day. If your pick-up falls on or after the holiday, your pick-up will be delayed by one day for that week only.

7. What can I put in my containers?

Trash - household waste.
Recycle - see complete list.
Green Waste - Acceptable materials include all residential green waste and compostable vegetative yard waste such as grass/lawn clippings, tree limbs, shrub trimmings, leaves, weeds, plants and flowers, garden waste, wood chips and sawdust and wood scraps (less than 6 inches in diameter and 2 feet in length).
Non-Acceptable materials include soil/dirt, rocks, lawn sod, household waste, food waste, treated wood and paper and plastic bags.  Grass clippings and leaves in plastic bags will not be collected.  If you don’t have a green waste can (green with a yellow lid), call (801) 254-2200 to order one today.

8. Have service & / or billing questions about your Solid Waste services?

Please call Bluffdale City Utility Billing at 801-254-2200.

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Utility Services

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1. How do I sign up for utility services?

There is an application online.  Complete the form and attach proof of purchase before submitting the form.  You must provide proof of ownership of the home.  Services will not be put in the name of a renter or leaser.  

2. How can I see my bill?

Bills are mailed out between the 5th & 10th of each month.  They are always due on the 25th of the month.  You can also see your bill online at any time at Xpressbillpay.com.

3. How can I pay my bill?

You can pay in any of the following ways:
     Xpress Bill Payhttps://www.xpressbillpay.com/#/?org=bluffdale10049
     City Hall - 2222 W 14400 South - Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Mon - Fri.
     Drop box between the Fire Station and City Hall - NO CASH
     Mail to: 2222 W 14400 South Bluffdale , UT 84065
     By phone - 801-254-2200

4. Does it cost anything to sign up for online bill payment?

It is free to sign up for online bill payment at Xpress Bill Pay. Only VISA & Mastercard are accepted;

5. Do I have to sign in to pay my bill?

No.  XressBillPay now offers Guest Checkout.  No need to sign in. You can also choose to receive future email notifications when your next bill is ready. Even if you decide not to create a login, you can still get emailed when your bill becomes available.

6. I am moving. How do I cancel my services?

Complete and submit the cancel services form.