Economy forces new Utah mayors to make tough decisions

SALT LAKE CITY — Four Utah mayors agree: Running a campaign in your hometown is a great way to lose weight.

It starts with pounding the pavement and knocking on doors all summer, they said. But the fat-trimming doesn't end with the conclusion of November voting or with the swearing-in ceremonies come January.

Governing during these hard economic times also means budgetary belt-tightening, new mayors told a group of university political science students Tuesday morning.

"We're not very good at cutting, and that's not only government — that's private sector as well," said Provo Mayor John Curtis. "The reality is that it's not a bad thing for government to have to cut."

Provo will have to reduce its budget by $5 million in the coming year, Curtis said. That's a big chunk for a budget that only tops $40 million.

West Jordan also is in dire budgetary straits. The city laid off 11 full-time employees and one part-time employee in January. The cuts were approved unanimously by the City Council and included everything from a human resources director to a water meter reader and deputy planner.

The change is expected to bring the city's budget back into compliance with state law. Before the layoffs, the city was facing a $340,000 shortfall, said West Jordan city manager Tom Steele.

Since the recession started, about 17 positions have been cut from the West Jordan work force of about 500. The city's rainy day fund already has been expended, Steele said.

Prior to the recession, the city experienced several years of growth but did not end up with significant surpluses, he said.

In Box Elder County, Brigham City also is facing trouble. The city has laid off 15 employees, expecting to save $900,000, according to public information officer Rick Bosworth. The city also will take over control of the Eagle Mountain Golf Course in an attempt to save $75,000 for the 2010-11 budget year.

In West Valley, the city manager has ordered weeklong furloughs for all employees between now and June. Next year, staffers predict, the city will have to cut even deeper.

In Saratoga Springs, the entire budget for civic events has been dropped in lieu of a volunteer committee that is actually providing money to city coffers, said new Mayor Mia Love.