Do two 'no' votes to fund UTOPIA signal trouble for agency?

Layton City Councilman Barry Flitton, another UTOPIA board member, said 80 percent of the phone calls he has received from constituents about UTOPIA are those wanting the service. He said the Legislature-requested audit has cast the agency in a negative light, but those in Layton who have the service are "amazed" by it.

"I get a lot more calls saying, 'When do we get it?' rather than, 'We don't want it,'" Flitton said. "I have to represent the public, and the public in Layton seems to be in favor of UTOPIA."

Russell said UTOPIA will only approach member cities that are part of the Utah Infrastructure Agency about helping fund operating costs because those cities have already pledged future funding.

While those at the agency are "disappointed" in the Murray City Council vote, he said there are ongoing discussions with all UTOPIA cities about how to cover operational expenses.

"I can say that no one here is walking around and waiting for the sky to fall in," Russell said.

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