Monticello City nears finalization of golf cart code, approves secondary water rate

by David Boyle
News Director
Monticello City Council members prepared for finalizing the golf cart code, considered an inland port project, and approved secondary water rates and dump days at their latest meeting.
Members of the Monticello City Council once again reviewed a proposed golf cart code at their March 25 meeting.
City staff shared a review from the city attorney that brought about a suggestion that driving under the influence restrictions be added to the code.
Members of the council reviewed a draft, before approving a version to be presented next in a public hearing.
The draft code includes definitions of golf carts, as well as rules for operation including requirements of drivers licenses, speed limits, and night time operations requiring headlights.
The draft code would also restrict carts from driving along the school zone on 200 West, or operating on Highway 191 or 491 except for designated crossing areas, as well as preventing carts from being used on sidewalks, parked in handicapped spots, or other restricted zones such as fire lanes.
Members of the council also considered limiting the area that golf carts can travel in town, such as to and from the golf course. Ultimately, they decided to allow carts to openly travel throughout town.
Members of the council voted to approve the draft as presented, with the next step being a public review before the council can officially adopt the code.
The item moved forward by a vote of three to one, with council members Chamberlain, Skinner, and Crowley voting for and Rice voting against.
At the meeting, members of the council also began reviewing ATV code. Council members discussed potentially opening up travel throughout town for licensed drivers rather than having limits related to destinations of trails on the mountains.
Discussion about children’s operation of machines, parking of trailers at less than ideal locations, like banks, and other items were part of the first discussion of the ATV code by the city council.
Members of the Monticello city council also received a water report and with it began discussions for the secondary water rate tier for the season.
Among the updates were adjustments at the water treatment plant including the purchase of a new filter.
The report also updated council on lake levels, with Loyds Lake being reported at 2,100 acre-feet lower than the 3,060 from last year. The snowpack water content is also reported to be lower than previous years. 
Council motioned to assign the yellow Level Two conservation water rate, while allowing for adjustments if conditions improve. The city approves secondary water rates based on available water, with higher rates for more usage in drier years.
For 2025, the council preliminarily approved Level Two. The green Level One conservation rates are approved after exceptionally wet winters while the red Level Four are crisis rates for extreme drought.
The council also preliminarily approved April 14 as the day the secondary water system will be charged and turned on.
While secondary rates were approved, council also began conversations for culinary water rates. A proposed change would simplify rate structures, adjust the fixed rate, and modify usage tiers for residential and commercial customers.
The preliminary discussions outline a $0.61 monthly increase for customers who averaged 2,000 gallons of use. 
The proposed increase is aimed at ensuring financial sustainability of the water system, as well as improving the likelihood of winning grants for projects.
Members of the Monticello City Council heard a presentation about the Utah Inland Port project before approving a resolution supporting the creation of a Utah Inland Port Authority project area within the city. 
Members of the council passed the resolution after it was emphasized that the action is an invitation to explore potential project areas within the city and not a binding commitment. 
Representatives explained that businesses interested in utilizing Inland Port Authorities in Utah typically approach a city with the Utah Inland Port Authority working to facilitate the project. 
San Juan County Economic Development Director Talia Hanson explained the State of Utah Authority could aid in addressing infrastructure costs for business and housing projects in the city.
A similar resolution was recently passed in Blanding city.
Members of the council also approved free dump days for 2025. City staff reported in 2024 they saw just 77 visits from 535 eligible accounts during the free dump days, down from 84 in 2023. Council approved the month of May, same as last year, for the free dump days for city residents.
Members of the council also received a staff report on the city Visitor Center. Among the highlights is the implementation of the Locals Corner at the center. The corner serves as a venue for products made locally to be displayed and even sold to visitors as they pass through the area.
The local corner is also aimed at increasing visitation from Monticello residents. City staff reports a locals corner giveaway in December significantly increased foot traffic in the visitor center and saw a boost in sales.
Members of the council also approved a municipal wastewater planning program. The self-evaluation of the city sewer collection and wastewater treatment system assesses funding, maintenance needs, capacity and other items. 
Members of the council also reviewed an annual report from the State of Utah which showed the city is in good standing for fraud risk management.