Blanding City Council makes plans for 4th as well as budget, water and airport work

by David Boyle
News Director
Firework restrictions are in effect in Blanding city meaning a complete ban on fireworks, excluding the showcase put on by the city with professionals on hand.
While restrictions are in effect, the Blanding City social media and website will have up-to-date information. 
Members of the Blanding City council held public hearings related to compensation increases for city officials and amendments to the city fee schedule as part of their June 23 meeting.
City Manager Pratt Redd outlined changes to the fee schedule including a $1 increase for waste management services, with the city noting the change is necessary due in part to a 15-percent increase in costs from the city’s franchise provider.
Members of the city council approved the fiscal year 2026 budget including $10,000 for Axon body cameras for the city police department. The council also approved the certified property tax rate.
Members of the city council also approved a partnership to improve the Centennial Park ballfields. A private donation of 25 tons of red infield mix will be met with a city-funded effort to pay the $1,488 in transportation fees to bring the dirt from Phoenix.
At the meeting it was also noted that the fourth reservoir walking trail has seen some good usage. Council did discuss a possibility of posting “no motor” or speed limit signs to keep motorized vehicles, particularly electric scooters, off the new trail.
During water reports council was informed of the plans to bring the cities “Well A” online to combat potential shortages related to drought conditions.
In a notice to residents the city shared that Blanding residents might notice “changes in the color, odor, or taste of their tap water.”
The city says thats due to naturally occurring minerals in the groundwater, but emphasised the water remains safe to use as it adheres to quality standards set by the state Department of Environmental Quality.
The city also added that they continue to test and monitor the water to ensure it remains in compliance with state requirements.
Council member Chris Ewald, declared a conflict of interest as an airport business owner. Ewald shared proposals to use the airport resource to boost economic development including possibilities such as establishing a flight or mechanic school in partnership with Utah State University (USU) and potentially utilizing the armory building for classroom space. Ewald also mentioned developing backcountry tourism packages with designated sites for pilots as well as hosting “fly-in” pancake breakfasters to attract regional traffic with events.
Ewald also raised concerns with the city’s current lease framework, with a suggestion of a flat lease framework with Ewald experiencing concerns about the current system’s ability to keep compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant assurances. Redd provided research on seven FAA lawsuits related to grant assurances and concluded that while the city is currently in a defensible position, it could be improved with specific leases for commercial service providers. City council directed staff to draft new, formalized lease agreements for businesses with a goal of reviewing drafts later this summer. For the time being, airport rates will remain at 2025 levels in a show of “good faith” while new contract formats are developed.