Bill > SB0056

This bill provides a clear framework for city councils in Utah to retain or employ staff to assist them in their municipal governance responsibilities. Specifically, the bill amends several sections of municipal government law to explicitly allow city councils to hire staff members who will report directly to the council, with the requirement that the council first establish clear guidelines through an ordinance or contractual agreement. These guidelines must specify the employment term, compensation, and reporting structure for the hired staff. The bill makes corresponding modifications to other sections of municipal government law to reflect this new staffing provision, including updating descriptions of municipal government branches and clarifying that such staff members would report to the city council rather than the mayor. The changes apply to municipalities operating under six-member and five-member council forms of government, and the bill includes a specific provision preventing the mayor from giving direct orders to council-retained staff. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, providing municipalities time to prepare and implement the new staffing provisions.

Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0056.html