Get Involved in City Government

Are You Interested in Getting Involved in your City Government?

Declarations of Candidacy forms are available at the City Recorder’s Office. Forms must be signed and notarized in person and the $10 filing fee must be paid.

What does it mean to be a “Council Member”? Springville City is a third class city (population between 30, 000 and 60, 000) with a six-member council form of government. The governing body consists of a Mayor and five council members. A quorum of three council members is needed to pass any measure. The Mayor, who exercises ceremonial and administrative functions, may only vote in the case of a tie.

What does a Council Member do? According to Title 2, Chapter 4 of the Springville City Code, the City Council “may pass all ordinance and rules, and make all regulations, not repugnant to law, necessary for carrying into effect or discharging all powers and duties conferred by law, and such as are necessary and proper to provide for the safety and preserve the health, and promote the prosperity, improve the morals, peace and good order, comfort and convenience of the City and the inhabitants thereof, and for the protection of property therein.” It also says, “The City Council, as the legislative and governing body of the City, shall have, exercise, and discharge all the rights, powers, privileges, and authority conferred by the laws of Utah upon ciites…”

What are the qualifications to be a candidate? A candidate must (a) be a citizen of the United States, (b) be at least 18 years old, (c) be a resident of Springville for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, (d) be a registered voter in Springville, and (e) not be a convicted felon.

How much time is really required? To perform effectively as a Council member, you will need to budget your time wisely. Few people realize how many hours are required to conduct the business of the City. Besides the actual time spent in Council meetings held on the first, second, and third Tuesday, there will be preparation time, including the reading of up to 100 pages per meeting. Other meetings to attend include a day-long retreat two to four times a year, and each Council member is responsible to attend their assigned Advisory Board meetings, and to represent Springville City at various County, State, and Regional Boards, Committees, and Organizations. A Council member is also expected to be available to the public to answer questions, take opinions, and discuss the policies and operations of the city. A minimum of ten (10) to twenty (20) hours per week is a good estimate of the time necessary for Council members to give their Council responsibilities.

Is there a salary? How much? Council Members are reimbursed a nominal bi-weekly salary to cover their expenses, but this is basically a volunteer position. The rewards of serving on the Council are knowing that you are doing your best to serve and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the collective individuals known as the “residents of Springville City.” You are ensuring their access to basic services like water, sewer, electricity, streets, garbage collection, and emergency response. You are providing services that enhance their way of life such as a library, a pool, a museum, recreation and sports, and parks. You are preserving the character of their homes, streets, and neighborhoods with planning and zoning, code enforcement, building codes, and business licensing. You are working to attract and promote economic development in the form of businesses, schools, industries, and occupations. It is a balancing act, but Springville is well worth the effort.