Holladay City seized the opportunity with Zion’s Bank to lock in a refinance rate at 2.5%, resulting in an average cost savings of $93,000/ year with no additional fees over the life of the 15 year bond term ,set to be paid off by December 2020. The savings and debt reduction offers flexibility towards housing funds, administrative costs, and is projected to accommodate new development growth through 2021. A vote on the RDA resolution is set for the next council meeting.

Excitement and community support are building for the new Holladay City playground. Another generous resident offered $2,000 in the past week, reaching the $200,000 mark. Donations continue to pour in from private donors and residents to help meet the $250,000 goal and opening set for the Fourth of July. The playground equipment is funded by the Holladay City Foundation (nonprofit).

Holladay City mayor Rob Dahle recently visited the Millcreek Recreation Center to observe the numbers of families and children at the Millcreek playground and how busy a central gathering place it has become. The mayor spoke with several residents there and notes their enthusiasm for the upcoming Holladay playground. The comments came as a renewed vision for the Holladay playground and a confirmation that city government and community collaboration work. Site designs are underway as the council narrows down proposals with two local firms pending a final decision before April 9th. 

There’s no doubt that building energy-efficient homes and businesses is a wise choice, and healthy for Utahns. However, a concerned Holladay resident sparked the question about the cost of solar panel installation fees on top of being environmentally responsible. Currently, her fee stands at $400, based on 1997 codes and permits. The average installation cost per resident in 2014 was $787. Permits can range from $40 to $400

 Paul Allred, Holladay City Community Development Director, brought clarity to the council regarding fees for residents and commercial property. He explains Holladay charges a solar permit based upon the systems value, rather than a fee per kilowatt or flat rate. Labor and inspection costs vary for the size property, which determine the size of the solar panel kit for the home or property. Commercial building permits for large construction sites are based on a sliding scale and scope of the project. This leaves room for new justification for lowering fees, particularly for smaller homes like a single-family dwelling. The council agreed that there is need for further discussion and study on scope or size of a project and related energy efficiencies. Recommendations were made for solar panel installation fees for residents at $112 and for commercial installations $262, which is based on the average time it takes for inspections, which take one and a half hours on average at $75 per hour.

Councilman Lynn Pace calls for a better evaluation on this matter and for the council to look at other areas that are similar that may be affected by permit costs and codes. No change in fee was made at this time, and necessary research is being conducted and requires more discussion before a vote. 

Homeowners and businesses are encouraged to go solar, as projected savings are high for the return on investment. For more information about energy savings, visit energy.utah.gov

Holladay City is looking for part-time employees to weed, help with lawn cleanup and general maintenance. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Salary is $9 per hour and must be able to work four to five hours a day. For more information please contact Randy Fitts, Holladay City Manager at 801-272-9450 or [email protected].