Eagle Mtn. mayor proud of his work

EAGLE MOUNTAIN — The mayor facing charges of lying to police about his whereabouts last March says last year was full of emotional turmoil.

Nevertheless, Eagle Mountain Mayor Kelvin Bailey says the city is in better shape than when he took office. For starters, city officials have a better handle on the city's finances.

This year, Eagle Mountain was two months tardy turning in an annual audit to the State Tax Commission. That was a timely turn-around considering the city's track record.

Two years ago, the audit was filed 15 months late. In 2002, it took seven months.

And for fiscal 2003, Bailey said, the city should show "a clear surplus" instead of a deficit.

"Progress is definitely being made," he said.

As a result of the missed paid deadlines, the city paid penalties and extra interest.

Eagle Mountain also lost state funding and had to pay higher insurance premiums on gas and electric revenue bonds.

"That amounts to more than $470,000 per year just because financial records and reports were not sent in as required," Bailey said.

Bailey said he achieved three major goals he set when he took office. He wanted to improve communication with residents, encourage well-planned growth and improve the situation with city-owned utilities.

Bailey said those goals have been reached. The city has a working Web site, a person answering phones at City Hall and the "Eagle Mountain Highlights," a city newsletter.

He said growth is good despite the sluggish economy.

The Pony Express Parkway and Sweetwater Road will soon connect the north and south service areas and the city is building a new public utilities building that will allow city services to move out of trailers.

Councilwoman Diane Jacob asked publicly for Bailey to resign just after his situation became public in March. She said Wednesday that although Bailey refused to step down, she and the mayor have managed to work together pretty well.

"I wish him the best," Jacob said. "But I would have done the same for anybody with charges leveled against them. I don't think that's right for any public official."