Monticello city gets golf and fire report, ZAP tax set to expire

Members of the Monticello city council received an excellent golf report, approved A/V upgrades to the Hideout community center and found out the ZAP tax is set to end at their latest meeting.
Members of the city council also received an update on the ZAP or Zoo, Arts and Parks Tax collection at their October 28 meeting.
Monticello City Manager Kaeden Kulow reported that the collection of the tax is set to end.
The program was enacted in 2007 to help fund the new swimming pool. The tax adds 0.01-percent local sales tax equaling one cent for every $10 spent. The city brings in between $20-40,000 annually but is required to be re-approved by voters every 10 years. Due to a lack of awareness about the requirement the city has been collecting without authorization since 2017, or 2023 depending on interpretation. Regardless, the state will end the city’s collection of the Zap Tax at the end of 2025.
Kulow recommended waiting until the 2027 election ballot to request voter renewal to avoid the cost of a special election. City council members appreciated the ZAP Tax ability to distribute funding burden among all users including visitors rather than solely relying on property taxes from local residents. City residents are entitled to request a refund of those unauthorized taxes paid within the last two years by filing forms with the state tax commission.
The city council also received an annual report from the Hideout Golf Course. Golf pro Jeff Simon highlighted a 34-percent increase in revenue over the past two years. That was driven in part by an increase of 3,000 rounds played with a goal of reaching 20,000 total rounds annually. Increased revenue was also attributed to doubling of merchandise sales since 2021.
Also provided in the report included the successful completion of flood damage repairs on hole 13, it was also noted that with higher tournament demand the city may have to turn away bookings in the future. It was also shared that recently acquired equipment has improved efficiency even with staffing levels remaining a concern. The city also recognized the critical work of volunteers at the course.
Members of the city council received an annual report from the fire department. Noting an increase in activity from this past year to the one previous. The volunteer fire department responded to 72 calls this past year, a jump from the previous 40 calls the year before. Calls included 20 wildland fires, 6 vehicle fires, 3 structure fires, 18 vehicle accidents, and 14 carbon monoxide incidents. Notably, 43 of the 72 calls occurred outside city limits, underscoring the department's regional service load.
Members of the city council approved a bid to upgrade visual and audio equipment at the Hideout Community Center. The upgrade is estimated to cost $50,000 with the city to pay two-thirds and the county to cover one-third. The upgrade replaced a projector, microphones and a broken audio controller. The new system will also provide better video control throughout the facility and outdoor speakers for golf tournaments. The system will also allow for future additions including cameras for video conferencing though the city passed on those upgrades for now.
Members of the city council also discussed traffic noise and safety on highways 491 and 191. Council member Ron Skinner reported on numerous complaints regarding engine brake or jake brake noises, and the impacts on businesses and residents along Main Street.
The city already has an ordinance prohibiting engine brakes in place since 2004 but enforcement isn’t possible without signage. Kulow confirmed that to enact the signage with UDOT they need letters of support from the city council, sheriff’s office and a financial commitment.
The cost for the city to purchase UDOT signs is estimated to be between $3,000-5,000. Council members agreed to explore funding the signage as an investment for residents.
Members of the council also spoke about the general plan update which is expected to take some time possibly through February 2027. To encourage public participation in a community survey the council approved rewards for every 10 complete surveys such as a $25 utility credit or golf passes.
The council also decided to include water use and preservation as an optional element in the new plan. The decision reflects the city’s proactive approach on water conservation.