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2025 Budget; Utility Fees; Sugar City's First Stoplight?; Construction Updates

 

2025 Budget

Last council meeting, the city council passed the 2025 budget. This is a summary of the budget. If you'd like to see more details, please stop by city hall and ask to see it.

We also heard from the city auditors regarding our finances from the past year, and we got a good report. You can also see a copy of that report at city hall if you wish. 

The city runs on public funding, and I think the current budget reflects this understanding--that we have to be wise in what we budget for and how we plan for current and future city needs. Cities have to be careful not to get into the habit of thinking "We need more money," and, instead, be in the habit of thinking "We can make this work."

Utility Fees

Here are the new fees for water, sewer, and garbage. "Last Year" = 2024 budget; "This Year" = 2025 budget (beginning Oct 1, 2024)

Sugar City's First Stoplight?

Councilmember Carter Stanford pointed out that the new stoplight on the north side of the Hwy 20 Salem - North Rexburg interchange (Exit 337) is technically Sugar City's first stoplight as it is within our city boundaries now.

I suspect some residents are dismayed to think that Sugar has a stoplight. Stoplights kind of symbolize growth in a town, and for some, almost any growth is cause for concern. I'm in favor of well-managed growth. I think it can bring wonderful people, businesses, and benefits to the city. 

Speaking of growth, I asked Sugar-Salem District Superintendent Jared Jenks if the district has seen an increase in students this year over last. He said as of the first week of school, the think they have the same number of students now as they ended with last school year. He said the online school has seen an increase, but not the campus schools, overall.

Construction Update

Two new commercial construction projects are showing signs of progress. 

Ancient Grains is building a new storage, processing, and retail facility on the property that used to be owned by Moody Creek Produce on 7th East, just north of the old sugar factory. The initial plans show this project being built in phases over the coming years.

And Sunpro is building a door & truss plant and retail facility on the property north of the junior high on Hwy 33. Initial plans have both Ancient Grains and Sunpro tying into the railroad lines.

Below is a photo of the Sunpro site, looking toward the southwest and the junior high from Hwy 20.

  I'm excited these two companies are coming to Sugar City. They will be good additions to our community, both because of the quality businesses they are and because of the jobs they will bring to our town.

School has started, so I guess summer is practically over. I will enjoy the remaining warm weather and look forward to a beautiful fall in our wonderful city.

Oh, and put Treats in the Streets on your calendars: Thursday, Oct 17, 4pm. 


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