Riverton Insider Newsletter - May 2026

RIVERTON

INSIDER

Official Newsletter of the Riverton City Government

BY RIVERTON MAYOR TISH BUROKER

Fiscal Accountability and Responsibility

Key Takeaways

• Fiscal 2026–2027 budget emphasizes collaboration, balance, and essential services

• Budget maintains parks, addresses costs, and addresses impact fees

• Funds cover infrastructure, safety, skate park design, and water fee increase

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 - 2027 has been delivered to the council. This year’s budget process reflects a high level of collaboration and dedication among City staff and elected officials. It has been the focus of every work meeting since the beginning and January. It maintains a balanced approach, planning for the long-term future of our city, while ensuring high-quality, day-to-day essential services. Essential services are defined as: culinary water, secondary water, police, fire, sanitation, roads and sidewalks. Parks and community events are not essential, but they are highly desired by most residents and do require financial support from our general fund. Parks must be maintained. Millions have been spent creating the 33 parks we enjoy. To eliminate their care would be fiscally irresponsible. New parks are paid for with impact fees which cannot be used for any other

general expenditure according to the state code.

Like many communities, Riverton is not immune to broader economic pressures, including cost increases. These conditions require careful decision-making, and difficult decisions to ensure that available resources are allocated effectively. Below are several highlights:

Infrastructure: Approximately $1.8 million is allocated for water line replacements, including aging and leaking cast irons pipes.

Public Safety: The budget includes continued support for our police officers and the City’s continued partnership with Unified Fire.

Parks: The new budget does include $30,000 towards the design of a new skate park.

Culinary Water: Currently water charges do not even pay for culinary water costs. The City Council has agreed to an $8 a month residential culinary water base fee (an increase of $4.50 per month to the base rate).

The proposed budget reflects a thoughtful and responsible approach to meeting the needs of our growing community while ensuring quality of life for the future. It balances investment in critical infrastructure, public safety, and community programs with a commitment to fiscal discipline and sustainability.

I appreciate the time, effort, and dedication of the City Council and City staff in developing this budget and thank our residents for their ongoing engagement and support. Together, we can continue to build a strong, connected, and thriving Riverton for generations to come.q

MAY 2026

• Fiscal Accountability and Responsibility

• Balancing Today’s Needs While Planning for Tomorrow

• New State Laws Regarding E-Bikes

• New Business Now Open in Riverton

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Memorial Day Program, May 25

• Recycle Right Day, May 7 We are now accepting Worn US Flags at our Recycle Right Day

• See the back page for more Recreation Events

UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS

CITY COUNCIL May 5 & 19, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION May 14 & 28, 6:30 p.m.

REPORT A PROBLEM

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

CONTACT US 801-254-0704

FOLLOW US ONLINE!

@rivertonutahgov

ELECTED OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Tish Buroker tburoker@rivertonutah.gov

Andy Pierucci apierucci@rivertonutah.gov

Troy McDougal tmcdougal@rivertonutah.gov

Alexander Johnson ajohnson@rivertonutah.gov

Shannon Smith ssmith@rivertonutah.gov

Spencer Haymond shaymond@rivertonutah.gov

Scan to see a detailed district map.

Balancing Today’s Needs While Planning for Tomorrow

Key Takeaways

• City budget mirrors responsible household financial planning

• Thorough, transparent process prioritizes low costs and reduced debt

• Residents help control costs through community care and conservation

The City budget process is not all that different from how residents manage their household finances. From time to time, adjustments are necessary to account for inflation and the increasing cost of services. For families, essential expenses like mortgage, utilities, and food must be covered first, with careful planning for future needs before discretionary spending.

each budget category. Since January, we have engaged in extensive discussion and analysis across all areas of City operations.

“From time to time, adjustments are necessary to account for inflation and the increasing cost of services.”

The City’s approach follows that same principle.

This year’s budget process has been one of the most thorough and detailed since I have served on the City Council. Additional meeting time was dedicated to ensuring that both council members and staff could carefully review

Over the years, we have worked hard to keep costs for our residents among the lowest in the area, making only modest adjustments when necessary to reflect economic changes. The process is never easy, but it is always important. I want to express my sincere appreciation to City staff, especially Nick Geer and his team, as well as Mayor Buroker and my fellow City Council members. This has been an open and transparent effort, with a shared commitment to minimizing financial impacts on residents while maintaining our goal of avoid-

Memorial Day Program

• May 25, ~12:45 p.m.

All are invited to Riverton’s annual Memorial Day Program. The program includes an honor guard, 21-gun salute and reading of deceased veterans. It’s a great way to honor those who served our country. Monday, May 26, around 12:45 p.m. at the City Cemetery.

ing new debt and continuing to reduce existing obligations.

I am pleased to say that this year’s budget achieves those goals, and we encourage residents to review it as we move toward final approval.

I would also invite residents to play a role in helping keep City costs and fees as low as possible. Simple actions such as taking care of our parks and public amenities, conserving water, keeping our neighborhoods clean, and helping maintain roads and infrastructure can make a meaningful difference.

By working together and being responsible stewards of our community, we can better manage the financial challenges that arise and ensure our City remains efficient, sustainable, and strong.q

New State Laws Regarding E-Bikes

Key Takeaways

• Utah e-bike laws improve safety, take effect May 2026

E-Bikes are not allowed in any Riverton City Park. We encourage all residents to respect the updated laws.

• Rules add age limits, helmets, classifications, and stricter enforcement

• Legal e-bikes allowed roads, trails; higher-speed devices restricted

As e-bikes and other electric devices become more popular across Utah, new state laws are being put in place to improve safety. With most of the new rules starting on May 6, 2026, Riverton City wants residents to understand what is changing and how to ride safely.

What changes are happening Utah’s new law includes several important updates:

• It is now illegal to drink alcohol while riding an electric-assisted device.

• Riders under age 21 must wear a helmet when riding on public roads.

• Devices with more than 750 watts or that can go over 20 mph using only the motor are no longer considered e-bikes. These are classified as electric motorcycles and may follow motor vehicle laws.

• Children under age 8 are not allowed to ride motorassisted devices on roads.

We are excited to announce the opening of these new local businesses and wish them great success in Riverton.

Lollipops

Early Learning Center 11930 S Redwood Road

199X Nails and Spa 2936 W 12600 S, #4

Mountain Valley Roofing 1262 W 12700 S, #C

• Riders aged 16 and older can operate motor-assisted scooters on roads without supervision.

• It is against the law to allow someone under age 16 to operate a motorassisted scooter.

• If someone under 18 breaks these rules, police may take the device and release it to a parent or guardian.

updated law helps reduce confusion and improve safety for everyone.

How the changes will be enforced?

“Devices with more than 750 watts or that can go over 20 mph using only the motor are no longer considered e-bikes. These are classified as electric motorcycles and may follow motor vehicle laws.”

Police will focus on education first but may issue tickets if needed. Riders using unsafe or illegal devices may be stopped. Fines may apply. If a minor breaks the rules, their device may be taken and given back to a parent or guardian.

Where you can ride e-bikes safely and legally?

Zev Technologies 12706 S Old Liberty Way, #2-5

H Sung Nail Spa 13502 S Hamilton View Road

The Perry Group 13303 S Teal Ridge Way, #M-220

2Cute Nail Bar 4182 W 13400 S, #300

Code Corner

These changes are meant to make riding safer and clearly separate low-speed e-bikes from higher-speed devices.

• Youth ages 8 to 15 must be supervised by a parent or responsible adult when riding certain devices.

Why this is a pressing issue?

Cities across Utah, including Riverton, are seeing more high-speed electric devices on roads, sidewalks, and trails. Some are used in unsafe ways or in areas where they do not belong. This creates risks for riders and others nearby. The

Legal e-bikes can still be ridden on roads, bike lanes, and most shared trails, just like regular bikes. Riders should follow traffic rules, yield to pedestrians, and ride at safe speeds. Higherpowered devices may be restricted to roads and could have additional requirements. Riverton City encourages everyone to stay informed, ride safely, and help protect our community.q

The trees on your park strip are part of the public right of way. If you have them, they need to be trimmed when they grow too large.

This notice gives you the opportunity to trim trees on the public right of way in front of your property to your preference before the city does to their preference. Riverton City will trim your trees if they are not compliant with city code.

Of you have questions about city code, please contact us at 385-281-2463 or email us at enforcement@rivertonutah.gov

Recycle Right Day

New for 2026!

Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton

Bring electronics, glass, tires, cardboard and shredding to Riverton City Park for free recycling. Residents are responsible for emptying their own vehicles once they arrive. Some additional limitations and exclusions apply, so please visit rivertonutah.gov/beautiful for details.

Riverton Town Days Tournament registration is now open. There are four tournaments are offered this year. Click on the tournament below for full details. 3-on-3 Basketball, Cornhole, Pickleball, and the New 3-on-3 Street Hockey Tournament Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/tournaments

Jordan School District

Art Exhibit at Old Dome

High school students from Jordan School District exhibit creative work at the Old Dome Meeting Hall. Teacher-selected pieces include paintings, drawings, ceramics, and more, showcasing diverse talent.

• Exhibit Ends May 13, 2026

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

• Riverton resident use only

• No commercial recycling

• Proof of residency required

• No appliances

• No tire rims (just the rubber tire)

• No batteries

• No hazardous materials

U.S. Flag Disposal. Bring your worn out flags and we will be sure they get a proper disposal at Colonial Flag.

All new 5-on-5 league now offered in partnership with NFL FLAG! Designed to help children develop fundamental football skills in a fun, supportive environment, the league emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill-building. Register now, games begin in September. Register today online at rivertonutah.gov/youth

Town Days

Parade Entry Open

Enter your organization 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

Town Days Race Registration Now Open

Register now for this Town Days tradition! It’s a great way to enjoy Independence Day and Town Days Events. Three distances available 1 Mile, 5K and 10K races

• Saturday, July 4, 2026

• Visit rivertonutah.gov/towndays