Notice of Election

Emigration Improvement District

Please note that the Emigration Improvement District will be conducting an election this fall for  the purpose of electing a trustee to serve on the District’s Board of Trustees.  

Mark Stevens is serving a four year term which concludes on December 31, 2013.  Michael Hughes and David Bradford will continue to serve their elected terms of office which expire on December 31, 2015.  The term for the new trustee will begin on January 1, 2014 and run through December 31, 2018.

Mark H Stevens is the only individual who has expressed interest in the position to date. He intents to file as an incumbent candidate as soon as filing is authorized.  The District must follow the applicable election law regarding this election.  The time for filing is very short this year.  If you are interested in running for the office of trustee, you should contact Fred Smolka, the Districts special election clerk to obtain an official candidate filing form.  It must be filed between June 3^rd through June 7^th.  This is only five days.  Unfortunately, the district does not have a say in the days that you can file.  We have to follow the dictates of the State election rules.

If you file to stand for election, then it would be important to provide Fred Smolka a brief resume of your qualifications and experience that would help you represent the canyon citizens.  This resume would be shared with voters in the canyon.

Mark provided the following resume four years ago when he ran.  It might give you an idea of what to include:

Mark H Stevens is a Doctor who resides on Pioneer Fork Road in Emigration Oaks subdivision.  He has been actively involved in canyon affairs over several years.  He is independent, has good common sense and is dedicated to serving you and representing the feelings of the majority regarding canyon water matters.

A few qualifications that would serve you well as a trustee are:

1) Have some knowledge about water and water services.  2) Have some administrative experience to help you know how to run a water district.  3) Be fair minded and prepared to represent all of your constituents.  4) Be committed to attend essentially all of the meetings, since a quorum is required to vote on any business.  There are monthly trustee meetings and several special meetings throughout the year that are usually held in the evening to make it convenient for canyon residents to attend.  5) Be prepared to accept special assignments to help keep the business of the district moving forward.

You are qualified to run if you are a resident of the canyon and are registered to vote in Voting District. 

Emigration Improvement District

c/o Fred A Smolka, Special Election Clerk

4990 E Trails End Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

(801) 582-6176   FAX  (801) 582-6177   email fsmolka@mtnstream.com

June 2011

Notice of District Trustee Election

The Emigration Improvement District will hold an election on November 8, 2011 to elect two trustees for four year terms beginning January 1, 2012 and running until December 31, 2015.  The terms of both Michael Hughes and David Bradford will expire on December 31, 2011.   Mark Stevens term will expire on December 31, 2013.

Both Michael Hughes and David Bradford have expressed interest in running for re-election.   They and any other potential candidates are required to declare their candidacy between July 1 and July 15, 2011 in accordance with Utah State law.

Please call Fred Smolka, the Districts special election clerk, if you wish to declare your candidacy.  Fred will provide you with a declaration of candidacy form, prepared by Carr Printing in the format required by law.  Fred is required to read to you constitutional and statutory requirements to qualify as a candidate before you declare your candidacy.  You also need to sign and return the declaration of candidacy form to Fred before 5:00 pm on July 15, 2011 to be considered as a candidate.

Some of the background and skills that would be helpful in filling this position:

            1)  experience in serving on Boards

            2)  working knowledge of providing water and sewer services to a small community

            3)  engineering understanding

            4)  legal training

            5)  knowledge of Emigration Canyon configuration

            6)  historical knowledge of canyon community affairs  

            7)  knowledge of water right process and State of Utah laws re:water rights

            8)  knowledge of budgeting procedures and financial needs of the District

You should be available to meet once each month and for special meetings when required.  This year the District is meeting on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at the fire station.

Fred A. Smolka, Election Clerk

EMIGRATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Notice of Public Meeting

The Emigration Improvement District will hold a public hearing Thursday, June 2, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Station, 5025 Emigration Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

This meeting is called to allow public expression regarding a proposed increase in water rates for the District.  You will have an opportunity to raise any concerns, and to ask questions regarding the proposal. There will be a presentation of the proposal, followed by a question-and-answer time.  The Board intends to adopt a policy regarding the rate increase after the public hearing if the trustees feel they have enough information to make an informed decision.  More information on the proposal will be available at the District website under “documents.” 

The District website is:           www.emigrationcanyon.org, 

Background

The Board of Trustees has, for the past year, been considering what action, if any, should be taken regarding water rates.  It is clear that a new source of water is required, which will necessitate additional funds.  While we think we can borrow funds from the State of Utah to pay for most of this development, the State normally requires the borrowing entity to have some funds available to help pay for the improvements that will need to be financed.  The District hydrologist recommends that we begin to develop the source as soon as possible.  In addition, a group of three civil engineering graduate students from the University of Utah did a semester-long study on the District system, using state-of-the-art technology, as part of their graduation requirements.  The report for this thorough study recommended moving forward on a new source soon.  The Trustees and manager of the District share the opinion that it is only a matter of time before the new source must be obtained. 

Several months ago, the District formed a five-member Advisory Committee from among our water users to make recommendations relating to the future of the District. The Board has considered their recommendations and other factors relating to the actions that should be taken.  One of the recommendations was, “The Committee urges the Board to develop an additional year round water source.”  The Advisory Committee suggested that we increase the rate for the lowest tiers of use in order to charge at least enough to cover the cost of pumping the water out of the ground and for maintenance costs.  They were aware that when the new source project gets underway, the District will be required to raise additional funds to support the project.  They hoped that the rate increase could be delayed until the project is started.  After due consideration the Board feels we should start now in order to build up a reserve for start-up costs.

The committee also had some good ideas about cost savings, some of which have been implemented already.  Others will be put in place as soon as possible, while keeping the District orderly and organized.  A major suggestion was to use help when possible that is less costly than contracts for present independent contractors.  The District had already worked on this option to some degree before the Advisory Committee was organized.  We are using an independent contractor at a lower cost to do much of the physical on-site work that the manger formerly handled. We are also improving many of the bookkeeping, meter-reading and billing functions to be more cost effective.  The District was originally organized to provide water and sewer services to Emigration Canyon and was authorized to tax property owners to fund District operation and maintenance costs.  At the suggestion of the Advisory Committee, more of the revenues from taxes will be used for operations and maintenance than in the past.  The revenues from providing services, including impact fees, will be used to service the two existing loans the District carries with the State of Utah, as provided for in the bonds written to finance our two major projects in the last few years.

Funds have been and will continue to be required to repair and replace parts of the old Emigration Oaks system that the District inherited from the developers. The District will continue to do all in its power to control costs and use the funds entrusted in a prudent manner. We anticipate the funds that have been expended to upgrade the system will pay rewards in reduction of future costs. 

The Board feels that a reasonable rate increase is needed now to keep the District and water system functioning on a first class basis.

The Proposal

The Board recommends that effective June 1, 2011, after the May 31, 2011, billing, we increase the cost for water use to $3.50 minimum fee for the first 1,000 gallons of water.  The $3.50 will be charged to all those connected to the water system and will include the first 1,000 gallons of water.  For each succeeding 1,000 gallons, the cost per thousand gallons will go up by $.07 per thousand gallons and will be prorated, based on the number of gallons used. For example, the second thousand-gallon-increment would be $3.64 per thousand. A rate table will be posted on the website.  This table encourages conservation of water.  The more water used, the more the cost per gallon, which has been the case in the past.  The Stand-by and Base Fees are proposed to stay at the present levels without increase along with the Impact and Application Fees for new connections.  If an account becomes delinquent with no response to requests for payments resulting in turn-off by the District, the cost to reconnect will now be $100. Other fees are subject to change to cover costs when appropriate.

The Board also proposes to increase the connection fee from the current $600 for a one-inch connection and $550 for a three-quarter inch connection to $750 and $700 respectively, to match current costs of meters and installation and parts, with a future adjustment authorized if the cost increase warrants it.

 Note! Since the District would very much like to encourage additional homes to connect to the system, this connection fee increase will be delayed until September 1, 2011.  This is a savings of $150 per connection if completed and the payment is made by August 31, 2011.  We appreciate your continued support of the District.

EMIGRATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Notice of Change of Date for

Board of Trustees Meeting

The regularly scheduled meetings for September 2, 2010 is hereby cancelled. The meeting was set in January.  Since then a conflict has come up that would eliminate the possibility of having a quorum present. The trustess have agreed to meet on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the fire station, 5025 Emigration Canyon.  The September 23^th meeting will replace the originally scheduled meeting. 

Please check the website for further information at emigrationcanyon.org

EMIGRATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Notice of Cancellation of

Board of Trustees Meetings

and Notice of Special Meeting

The regularly scheduled meetings of the Trustees of the Emigration Improvement District that were to be held Thursday September 3, 2009 and Thursday, October 1, 2009 have been canceled.  Special meetings have been called to replace these two meetings.  The next meeting of the Trustees will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 7:00 pm, and the second will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:00 pm, both at the new fire station at 5025 Emigration Canyon.

The change was required to accommodate business travel of the trustees and still make it possible to have all trustees present.   We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the rescheduling and hope it fits your schedules if you wish to attend.

Please check the website for further information at: www.emigrationcanyon.org

Emigration Improvement District

c/o Fred A Smolka, Special Election Clerk

3350 Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

(801) 582-6176 FAX (801) 582-6177 email fsmolka@mtnstream.com

June 26, 2009

Notice of District Trustee Election

The Emigration Improvement District will elect a trustee for a four year term beginning January 1, 2010 and running until December 31, 2013.  The election will take place in November 2009. The term of Mark Stevens will expire on December 31, 2009.   Michael Hughes and David Bradfords terms will expire on December 31, 2011.

Mark Stevens will be standing for re-election.   Any other potential candidates are required to declare their candidacy between July 1 and July 15, 2009 in accordance with the Utah State law.

Please call Fred Smolka, the Districts special election clerk, if you wish to declare your candidacy.  Fred will provide you with a declaration of candidacy form, prepared by Carr Printing in the format required by law.  You must sign the form and return it to Fred before

5:00 pm on July 15, 2009 to be considered as a candidate.

Some of the background and skills that would be helpful in filling this position:

            1)  experience in serving on Boards

            2)  working knowledge of providing water and sewer services to a small community

            3)  engineering understanding

            4)  legal training

            5)  knowledge of Emigration Canyon configuration

            6)  historical knowledge of canyon community affairs  

            7)  knowledge of water right process and State of Utah laws re:water rights

            8)  knowledge of budgeting procedures and financial needs of the District

You should be available to meet once each month and for special meetings when required.  This year the District is meeting on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at the fire station.

Fred A. Smolka, Election Clerk

EMIGRATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Notice of Cancellation of

Board of Trustees Meetings

and Notice of Special Meeting

 The regularly scheduled meetings of the Trustees of the Emigration Improvement District that were to be held Thursday April 2, 2009 and Wednesday, May 13, 2009 have been canceled. A special meeting of the Trustees will be held on Tuesday,  April 28, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the new fire station at 5025 Emigration Canyon (about 3400 by the old numbering system). 

Due to trustee conflicts with the pre-advertised schedule for the meetings during the two months and intendant rescheduling, it was decided to have one meeting instead of two and have it in the middle of the time frame.  We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the rescheduling and hope it fits your schedules if you wish to attend.

Please check the website for further information at www.emigrationcanyon.org

EMIGRATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Comments on Tax Revenue Increase

December 19, 2008

The following are comments relating to the attached notice of tax increase.

The scheduled hearing will allow public expression regarding the proposed tax revenue increase. You may also submit any comments in writing or by email.

State law requires any increase in revenues to be disclosed with the exact words and format that appears on the “Notice of Proposed Tax Increase” form enclosed.  The wording does not clearly explain the situation in the case of the District’s “increase.”  The increase is primarily being generated by the new homes constructed in the canyon.  The existing homes will not experience an increase in tax unless the County has increased the assessed value of your property.

The District wishes to maintain the same tax rate as has been collected for several years.  Although the notice reads that the tax would increased from $ 285.56 to $ 308.78, your tax rate will remain the same.   Only if your assessed value has been raised by the County will you experience an increase in tax.  The 12.53% increase in tax revenues reflects the increase in total property values in the canyon.  As you know, we are still seeing a lot of new homes being built, mostly on existing lots and mostly in Emigration Oaks.  These are the source of the additional tax revenues.  The “increase” reflected on the Notice shows what the amount you would pay this year compared to the amount you would pay if the rate were allowed to drop by spreading last years amount over the new and higher tax base.  That would actually be a decrease in rate and in amount if we do not make this increase.

The District must serve the new homes in the canyon as it is serving the existing homes.  The District is desirous of having the budget capability to meet all expenses including the expense increases created by the addition of new homes.    

District studies reveal that canyon build out is around 700 homes, which we are fast approaching.  This build out “cap” on numbers is supported by the canyon zoning and foothill and canyon overlay restrictions. 

If you have any questions or comments we welcome them and will do our best to respond quickly.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE
EMIGRATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

 The Emigration Improvement District is proposing to increase its property tax revenue.

*    If the proposed budget is approved this would be an increase of 12.53% above the Emigration Improvement District property tax budgeted revenue for the prior year.

*    The Emigration Improvement District tax on a $ 649,000 residence would increase from $ 285.56 to $ 308.78 which is $ 23.22.

*    The Emigration Improvement District tax on a $ 649,000 business would increase from $519.20 to $ 561.42 which is $ 42.22 per year.

All concerned citizens are invited to a public hearing on the tax increase.
 

PUBLIC HEARING

Monday, December 29, 2008, 8:00 pm at Emigration Fire Station - 5025 Emigration Canyon    (Or about 3400 by the traditional numbering system)

To obtain more information regarding the tax increase, citizens may contact the Emigration Improvement District at (801) 582-6176