On Nov. 6, the Holladay City Council voted to pass a resolution that would expand the jurisdiction of the Holladay Justice Court to include the town of Brighton. Previously, Brighton had used the Salt Lake County Justice Court to handle cases involving less serious crimes, but in 2027, the county will no longer operate a justice court system. The transition will take place on Jan. 1, 2026. 

“The jurisdictions that have been served by that court are looking for other Justice Court homes,” said Holladay City Manager Gina Chamness. “In a lot of ways, this makes sense. Chief [Justin] Hoyal serves as their police chief, as well. They’re all served by Unified [Police Department], so that’s a pretty easy transition.”

Holladay trails are included in the Utah Trail Network Map

Recently, the UDOT Trails Division completed the first component of the master plan for the Utah Trail Network Map. As part of that plan, the legislature has allocated $45 million annually to fund the eventual build-out of this trail network statewide. Two trails in Holladay will be impacted by the plan.

“The first project in Holladay that is on the list is one that we have prioritized grant funds previously, and that is a trail along I-215 from Knudsen Park to Highland Drive,” Chamness said. “That section was highly rated but not funded in the last round. Eventually, as you’ll see on that trail network, the trail is projected to continue to the Jordan River in Murray.”

The second trail in Holladay is along 3900 South, with the trail slated to run from Wasatch Boulevard to a point in West Valley City that links with other trails in that area. Review the master plan at gis.udot.utah.gov/utn-viewer.

Mosquito Abatement tax increase

The South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District has proposed a property tax increase of $320,000 to stabilize costs for essential services, enhance operations and create funds for capital increase. 

With no change in the tax rate since 2012, the District has experienced population growth of more than 200,000 individuals and 72,000 homes. The increase would equal 77 cents per year on a $600,000 home and a $1.40 yearly increase on a $600,000 business property. 

A public hearing on the tax increase will be held on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. in the South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District Office at 7308 S. Airport Road in West Jordan.

Holladay earns an AAA budget rating

In preparation for a bond issuance, Holladay was evaluated by S&P Global and Fitch Ratings to determine its ability to meet financial obligations. Both entities gave the city a top-tier AAA rating, signifying its strong financial position and management. 

“When I started with the city almost 10 years ago, I never imagined that we would be at a point where we were receiving this kind of rating,” Chamness said. “I am really grateful and gratified that we’ve made so much progress, and this recognition for me is like icing on the cake.”

Mayor Rob Dahle credited the team effort of the city council and staff to ensure that resident tax dollars were being used appropriately and frugally. He also thanked Chamness for her guidance through the last decade.

“Gina, I think you have to take a ton of credit for it. Your leadership and steady guidance have been critical to establishing an environment where we’ve been able to achieve this goal,” Dahle said. “I won’t lie. I’m very proud of it. I think it’s something we should all be proud of.”