Now is the most important time to speak up about city priorities. We’ve entered budget season. I know, that sounds boring. Maybe it just needs better marketing. Something like: “If you are experiencing chronic uncertainty about city spending, ask your city council if BudgeTrex is right for you.” Funny name aside, this is actually the stretch between February and May when we decide what gets fixed, funded, and built in Ivins next year and beyond.
Every line in the budget is a tradeoff. Money used in one place is money not used somewhere else. There is no “miscellaneous magic fund.” Just choices.
Over the next few months, staff and Council will work through department requests, long-term infrastructure needs, equipment replacement, public safety planning, and reserves for things most of us never think about until they fail. This is the slow, unglamorous work that keeps the city running smoothly and prevents big, expensive surprises later.
Here’s What Most People Don’t Realize
We will hold a formal public hearing once we come up with a proposed budget. That hearing is scheduled for May 21st. On paper, that sounds like the moment for residents to weigh in. In reality, that is almost the worst time.
By then, we’ve already been discussing the budget for months. We’ve reviewed proposals, adjusted numbers, debated priorities, and gradually shaped the final plan. By the time the public hearing arrives, most of the major decisions have already been made. Not because anyone is trying to ignore residents, but because that’s how the system is structured.
This official public hearing “input” moment comes at the end of the budget process, when flexibility is lowest. That leaves many residents feeling like their comments come after the train has left the station. Or that the City Council does not listen to their ideas and concerns.
The most meaningful time for public input is now and over the next few months, during the process, not at the final hearing. This is when ideas are still flexible; when priorities can still shift; when we can still step back and ask: Is this what the community wants most right now?
What Would Help Right Now
You don’t need to drive yourself crazy digging through spreadsheets. But here are some links if you are interested:
- Current fiscal year budget (July 2025 – June 2026)
- Budget Planning Calendar (January – June 2026)
- 2nd Quarter 2026 Finance Report (July – December 2026)
The most helpful thing to me is hearing your perspective on questions like:
- What city services matter most to you?
- What are we missing, or not doing a good enough job on?
- Where should we be cautious about spending?
- What problems do you see coming that we should plan for now?
We do best when our budget is shaped by engaged residents who pay attention, ask questions, and speak up respectfully. Budget season is when priorities are still flexible and ideas can still shape the outcome. By mid-May, most decisions are largely set. Right now is when your input can truly make a difference.
If you have thoughts, concerns, or questions, I want to hear from you (mike@MikeScott4Ivins.com). I’m happy to share background information, explain how things are funded, or walk through any issue you care about. You don’t have to figure it out alone — I’m glad to help. When residents speak up early, we make better decisions together.