RIVERTON
Official Newsletter of the Riverton City Government
BY RIVERTON MAYOR TISH BUROKER
Inside the Legislative Session and Opportunities to Get Involved
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Dear Fellow Residents,
It has been another busy and productive month. One of the activities that has consumed much of my time is the legislative session. I must admit that, as a private citizen in the past, I have been intimidated by the Capitol—parking, location of meetings, crowds of people, active protests, all of it. However, due to the graciousness of our elected representatives, who have allowed me to sit with them in the House and Senate chambers, I am feeling much more comfortable. I encourage you to reach out to your elected state representatives if you would also like the opportunity. It is a standard practice and a real opportunity to watch the process of approving bills. However, don’t wait until the last week of the session. Then activity gets fast and furious.
With more than 986 bills introduced, it is expected that
around 400 will pass during the last week of February and the first week of March. With that volume of legislation, it can be difficult to determine which bills directly impact cities. That is why Riverton is a member of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Riverton City also actively participates in the Wasatch Front Regional Council.
These organizations track legislation and funding that could affect cities and their residents. It is my pleasure to represent Riverton in the weekly meetings where we provide feedback to the Utah League on bills that may negatively impact cities, as well as those that would benefit our communities.
You may have heard that there are always bills that could take away the ability to control zoning and density in cities. This has been true again this year. In addition, there are multiple
bills around water, its scarcity, and how we will manage it into the future. If you would like to be more involved, I encourage you to find an organization that reflects a passion that is important to you. From the Great Salt Lake to hunting on public lands to voting, there is an organization that represents your passions and interests. Get involved. This will allow you to remain close to the issues that are most compelling for you. After all, it is impossible to track and form opinions on 986 bills.
If you are interested in hearing what your legislators have been working on, please attend the City Council meeting on April 7 at 7 p.m. We have invited all of them—State Representatives Candice Pierucci, Doug Fiefia, Mark Strong, and Tracy Miller; State Senator Dan McCay; and our lobbyist, Rob Jolley—to present. I look forward to seeing you there.q
MARCH 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
• Inside the Legislative Session and Opportunities to Get Involved
• Understanding Irrigation Water Billing
• Safer Steps, Stronger Riverton
• Help Us Conserve Water
UPCOMING EVENTS
See Back Page for Details
• Riverton Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Races
• Miss Rvierton Competition
• Not Your Parent’s Art Show
• Pickleball Leagues
• Spring Clean Days Coming
UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL March 3, 7 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION March 19 & 26, 6:30 p.m.
REPORT A PROBLEM
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
CONTACT US 801-254-0704
FOLLOW US ONLINE!
@rivertonutahgov
Key Takeaways
• Legislative sessions are busy; engage early to understand how bills impact cities.
• Riverton participates in state and regional councils to protect local interests.
Citizens are encouraged to get involved with issues and organizations they value.
Riverton Mayor Tish Buroker (right) with Representative Tracy Miller at the 2026 Utah State Legislative Sesson.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Understanding Irrigation Water Billing
Tish Buroker tburoker@rivertonutah.gov
MAYOR COUNCIL
Andy Pierucci apierucci@rivertonutah.gov
Troy McDougal tmcdougal@rivertonutah.gov
COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
Alexander Johnson ajohnson@rivertonutah.gov
COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
Shannon Smith ssmith@rivertonutah.gov
COUNCIL DISTRICT 5
Spencer Haymond shaymond@rivertonutah.gov
Key Takeaways
• Irrigation water billed evenly to avoid large seasonal costs.
• Rates reflect actual system costs, not profit generation.
• State law mandates usage-based billing by 2030.
As we approach irrigation season, the city often receives questions about irrigation or secondary water billing. One of the most common is why residents pay for secondary water all 12 months of the year, even though it is typically only available from April through October.
The answer is simple. Payments are structured evenly across 12 months to make billing more predictable and manageable for residents. Instead of charging the full annual cost during the months water is flowing, we divide the total yearly cost into equal monthly
payments. This avoids large seasonal bills and spreads the expense evenly throughout the year.
“The city is currently conducting a new rate study to ensure our rates remain aligned with actual system costs”
It is also helpful to understand how rates are established. Irrigation water rates are not based on generating profit. They are calculated based on the actual cost of providing the service. That includes maintaining and repairing the system, operating pumps and infrastructure, covering electricity costs, and planning for long-term improvements and replacements. A rate study analyzes these costs and determines what is necessary
to keep the system reliable and sustainable.
The city is currently conducting a new rate study to ensure our rates remain aligned with actual system costs. In addition, state law will require cities to transition to usage-based irrigation water billing by 2030. While Riverton currently charges based on lot size, we will be required to move to a metered, usage-based model in the coming years.
We will continue to keep residents informed as this transition moves forward and appreciate your partnership as we plan responsibly for the future.q
Water Conservation is Essential for Riverton
Over the past few years, Riverton residents’ collective water usage has outpaced our city’s year-over-year growth by over six-fold. This is not sustainable. We all need to do our part in conserving water to help keep Riverton water rates low.
To find rebates and incentives for water conservation, visit slowtheflow.org
Irrigation water, also referred to as secondary water, is used for most of Riverton’s outdoor landscaping.
Safer Steps, Stronger Riverton
Residents are encouraged to remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, install grab bars and handrails.
Key Takeaways
• Falls are leading injury cause among older adults annually.
• Many falls are preventable through simple home safety improvements.
• Community partnership helps seniors maintain independence and safety.
Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury among adults, particularly older members of our community. Each year, one in four adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall, often resulting in serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or loss of independence. Beyond the physical impact, falls can significantly affect confidence, mobility, and overall quality of life. As our community continues to grow and age, fall prevention has become an important public safety and Community Risk Reduction priority.
From an emergency medical services (EMS) perspective, falls account for a substantial number of emergency responses. Many of these incidents involve preventable hazards within the home and repeat fall-related calls can
place emotional strain on families while also increasing demand on emergency resources. Preventing falls helps protect individual independence while ensuring emergency services remain available for critical community needs.
Simple preventative measures can make a significant difference. Residents are encouraged to remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs and clutter, improve lighting in hallways and stairways, install grab bars and handrails in bathrooms and entrances, and ensure frequently used items are within easy reach. Regular exercise that improves balance and strength, routine vision and medication reviews, and wearing proper footwear can also greatly reduce fall risk.
“Each year, one in four adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall.”
Supporting our aging community members requires a shared effort among neighbors, families, caregivers, and public safety professionals to create safer living environments. Checking in on older adults, assisting with home safety improvements, and encouraging proactive health habits can help prevent injuries before they occur. Through awareness, prevention, and community partnership, we can help residents age safely, maintain independence, and continue to thrive in the communities they call home. As a reminder, if you or someone you know experiences a fall, first responders are here to help and support our community when it matters most.q
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RIVERTONINSIDER UPCOMING EVENTS
Be part of a Riverton tradition and come participate in one of the valley’s best races. Medals and prizes will be awarded for participants and winners. Registration continues through March 21 for all three races. Race takes place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Riverton City Park. Register at: rivertonutah.gov/half
Miss Riverton Competition Event Spring Clean Days
Come watch the Miss Riverton Competition it’s entertainment for the whole family. See young women demonstrate their valuable life skills in public speaking, vocabulary, poise, strength, knowledge and voice in political and current events all in an engaging and entertaining way. Visit rivertonutah.gov/missriverton to learn more.
• Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 each • Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center Auditorium
Not Your Parents Art Show
Children’s Art Show
Come see original art pieces created by dozens of young local artists, all age 18 and younger, at the Not Your Parent’s Art Show at the Old Dome Meeting Hall. Don’t miss out on this fun exhibit.
• Exhibit Ends March 18, 2026
Utah Artists Exhibition Opens
Explore the amazing art created by local artists at Riverton’s Utah Artists Exhibit. Their different styles and creative expressions add color and life to our community. Highlighting local talent.
• March 23 - April 8, 2026
Mark your calendars for the Riverton City Spring Clean Days with community dumpsters at two locations. Residents are invited to spruce up their yards and homes those days and dispose of waste at the community dumpsters for free. Visit rivertonutah.gov/beautiful to learn more.
• Mark you Calendars for Saturday, April 11 & 18 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S
• Western Springs Park, 4570 W Goshute Drive
Pickleball League Registration Opens
Register today, play begins in April. Players sign up individually and play in groups of 4 to 5 players in this 4-week ladder league. Learn more online at the address below.
• April 7-28
• Visit rivertonutah.gov/pickleball
Town Days Parade Entry Open
Enter your orginization in the Riverton Town Days Parade. It’s one of the largest and best local parades in Utah, drawing many thousand spectators each year!
• Parade Friday, July 3, 2026
• Visit rivertonutah.gov/towndays