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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
When you think of your city, I'm not sure running a business is what comes to mind. But that's exactly what cities are. They must be carefully managed with a detailed budget and an eye on the future. Cities in Utah have a great example to draw from since the Pew Center named Utah as the best managed state in the nation.
Many cities, including Bountiful, are following the state's example to carefully manage resources so they've come through a challenging economic time without sinking into debt. This Davis County city of 43,000 is the second oldest in the state.
Bountiful hasn't raised property taxes in 30 years and has the lowest property tax of any of Utah's 20 largest cities. Recreation-wise they have a lot to offer with many public parks and an award-winning golf course. Golf Digest named the Bountiful Ridge Golf Course as the best municipal course in the state and the best public course in the nation.
When you think of Bountiful . . . I'm guessing it's possible you also think of Mayor Joe Johnson. He's a lifelong resident of the city and is exactly the type of elected official you'd want in office. He cares about those he serves and is always willing to listen. City manager Tom Hardy has taken the reins of the city and really worked to establish best practices to help it be successful during his over 30 years in the position.
One of this city's newest projects is upgrading their power and light station to increase the capacity to produce energy. With the peak season for electricity just starting, this is a wise move, even if Utah does boast some of the lowest utility rates in the nation.
City Councilwoman Beth Holbrook says one of the secrets to this city's success is their low level of debt. This keeps financial obligations to a minimum which makes it possible for the city to self-fund capital improvement projects. They also look to the future to anticipate what needs might be coming and budget accordingly.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Bountiful City 790 S. 100 East Bountiful, UT 84010 www.bountifulutah.gov
