PROVO — The Utah Taxpayers Association has given a Friend of the Taxpayer Award to Steve Turley of the Provo City Council.

This is the first time the 85-year-old organization has given the award to a city official.

Provo has not had any tax increases or new taxes during Turley's four years in office. The city has had no increases in public power and utility rates that are below the Utah County averages.

Provo also has had budget surpluses for three straight years while retiring 5.8 percent of total city debt in 2006 and 7.4 percent in 2007.

Turley said in a press release that he shared credit for the accomplishments and for the award with the mayor, council and city employees involved in managing Provo.