UTOPIA hires executive director

WEST VALLEY CITY — After several years of contracting through West Valley City, the Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency now officially has its own executive director.

UTOPIA's executive committee unanimously approved a contract with Paul Morris on Monday, making Morris an official UTOPIA employee but retaining essentially the same terms of employment.

UTOPIA — a governmental agency that is installing the infrastructure for high-speed voice, video and data transmission to member cities' residences and businesses from Box Elder County on the north to Utah County on the south — had been paying Morris through West Valley City, where Morris has worked for 24 years, most recently as city attorney. Effective July 1, Morris will be paid directly through UTOPIA and will no longer work for West Valley City.

Morris has worked as UTOPIA's executive director since UTOPIA was created about three years ago.

The contract gives Morris a yearly salary of $129,500, which reflects the raise he would have received through the city. He also will receive a $400 monthly car allowance.

UTOPIA contracts with private companies for installation and service provision. It has 14 member cities, including 11 that have pledged financial support. Earlier this month, it was the target of a federal lawsuit filed by Qwest, which accuses UTOPIA of creating unfair competition by allowing its contractors to offer below-market prices for such things as phone and Internet service. It can offer the low prices because its governmental status exempts it from taxes that competitors like Qwest must pay.

But on Monday, Morris said UTOPIA's philosophy is to build an infrastructure that is open to any private company — including Qwest — to take advantage of.

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