Santa Clara Council Tackles Water Rates, Budget, and Utah Tech Funding in Back-to-Back Meetings
Santa Clara's City Council and Planning Commission held a series of meetings in late June and early July covering water rates, the city budget, burial fees, a rezoning for an art gallery, and a proposed funding deal with Utah Tech University. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes of scheduled votes are not yet available in the public record.
Water Rate Increase and Budget Amendment
On June 24, 2026, the City Council scheduled public hearings and votes on a proposed water rate increase under Resolution 2026-14R and an amendment to the FY2025-2026 budget under Ordinance 2026-11. The council also planned to vote on Ordinances 2026-12 and 2026-13, which would update City Code Title 17 and Chapter 17.66. The consent agenda included approval of meeting minutes and claims. Because minutes are not yet published, the vote tallies and whether these items passed are not confirmed.
Utah Tech PEG Channel Funding
A proposal to redirect PEG (public, educational, and government) cable channel franchise fees to Utah Tech University appeared on multiple agendas. At a June 24 work meeting, the council discussed a Memorandum of Understanding that would send approximately $1 per cable subscriber to fund Utah Tech's broadcast media operations. The discussion was listed as discussion-only with no votes scheduled.
On July 2, the council was scheduled to discuss and act on an MOU with Utah Tech for a scaled-back public access station. According to the agenda, the funding source is a $112-per-month TDS franchise fee paid by Santa Clara residents. No vote outcome is available yet.
Non-Resident Burial Fees
The July 2 City Council meeting included a public hearing on non-resident burial fees and a scheduled vote on Resolution No. 2026-15R to approve those fees. A separate work meeting that same day continued discussion of burial and cremation rules in Section 12.24.100 of city code, with presentations by City Manager Brock Jacobsen, consultant Jerry Amundson of Avenue Consultants, and Parks Director Ryan VonCannon. The June 24 work meeting also listed this topic for discussion.
Art Gallery Rezoning at 2998 Santa Clara Drive
The Planning Commission met July 2 to hold a public hearing on rezoning a 0.10-acre property at 2998 Santa Clara Drive from Historic District/R-1-10 to Historic District/Mixed Use to allow an art gallery. Staff recommended approval with conditions including 3 parking spaces, drought-tolerant landscaping, and shielded lighting. The Heritage Commission approved the design review on June 18, 2026. The commission was also scheduled to consider a code amendment adding new definitions to Chapter 17.08 and to forward a recommendation to the City Council on both items. Action on meeting minutes from June 11, 2026 was also listed.
Rock Cut Slopes and Traffic Study
The June 24 work meeting included discussion of a proposed rock cut slopes ordinance intended to reduce the need for retaining walls in hillside development, with a review of St. George City's rock cut slope ordinance as a model. The July 2 work meeting continued discussion of a traffic study for Santa Clara Drive and Vernons Street.
Coming Up
No upcoming meetings are listed on the city's published schedules for the next 14 days. Residents should check the city website for any newly posted agendas.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Santa Clara Council Weighs Water Rate Increase, PEG Funding Shift and Cemetery Fees
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.