As a First-Year Council Member, I Voted NO on the Proposed Property Tax Increase

As your representative on the St. George City Council, I take seriously the responsibility to balance fiscal responsibility with the real impact city decisions have on residents and businesses. That’s why I voted NO on the proposed property tax increase.

While I support investing in our city’s future, I believe was not the right time to increase the financial burden on our homeowners and business owners, especially given rising costs across nearly every household budget.

I have continued exploring alternative solutions, such as:

• Prioritizing spending within existing revenue,

• Phasing in major capital projects over time,

• Seeking additional state or federal grants and funds where available.

Despite being the 5th largest city in the state and carrying expanded responsibilities and a growing service area, St. George maintains the 3rd lowest property tax rate among the top 20 cities in Utah—and the 2nd lowest in Washington County.

This is a testament to my commitment to fiscal responsibility, efficient management, and ensuring residents get the most from every tax dollar.

Natalie served as the Council Member assigned to the design and construction of Award-Winning Pioneer Park Interpretive Trail. She also was assigned in the design and reconstruction of the Historic Sun Bowl, preserving a key cultural landmark while modernizing its usability.

As the City Council member assigned to the water department, Natalie works with city staff to find ways to make residential and commercial water use more efficient.

Ongoing maintenance of culinary water distribution lines ensures consistent delivery and minimizes service disruptions. The city has also undertaken the replacement of aging irrigation water tanks to enhance storage reliability and capacity. In support of improved system monitoring and customer service, 15,000 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters have been installed, enabling more accurate water usage tracking and leak detection

Treated water must comply with all safety and quality regulations to ensure public health. Equally important are the distribution and conservation efforts that allow water to be used and reused sustainably before being returned to the cycle. A critical component of this process is wastewater treatment, which involves not only purifying used water but also maintaining the supporting infrastructure. In fiscal year 2023–2024, 161 miles of sewer lines were cleaned, followed by 150 miles in 2024–2025. With the implementation of a new truck system in 2025–2026, the city projects cleaning 200 miles of sewer lines, significantly improving system efficiency and reducing the risk of blockages or overflows.

Along with my colleagues on the council, I have been actively engaged with projects that benefit our city and residents.

• Relocation of Fire Station 1, scheduled for opening Fall 2025, improving emergency response in key areas.

•  Fire Stations 9 (Little Valley Area) and 10(Desert Canyons) in the Desert Canyons area to enhance public safety and lower ISO rating.

• Secured funding for 42 new police officer positions and 29 firefighter roles, strengthening public safety staffing and emergency readiness.

• Completion of the St. George Regional Water Reclamation Facility. Capacity went from 17 millions of gallons per day to 25 million.

• Planning and construction of a new City Hall, with expected completion in October 2025, streamlining city operations and improving public access to services. This public building is the result of year of saving in our general fund toward capital projects that will severe our community far into the future.

• Permanent home for the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Star 8 helicopter at the St. George Regional Airport, enhancing regional emergency response capabilities  and strengthening state–city partnerships.

• Airport Traffic Control Tower will break ground in August 2025. The Terminal expansion will be 90% designed in 2026. Record Year for the Airport with over 311,000 passengers.

• Completed  the 3000 East widening project.

• Natalie has missed only four meetings in four years, demonstrating her dedication and reliability.

• Natalie actively participates in ribbon cuttings and business reopenings throughout St. George, supporting local economic growth and community spirit.

• Natalie attends St. George Chamber of Commerce events and civic group meetings, when invited, to stay connected and engaged with residents and stakeholders.

• Natalie actively participated in General Obligation Bond open houses, ensuring she heard both concerns and support from the community.

• Natalie works hard to stay informed, listen carefully, and pursue practical, effective solutions that serve the best interests of our residents and the future of St. George.

As a current St. George City Council member, I have made a thriving community a priority. Strengthening public safety and infrastructure, I have worked to protect what makes St. George special—while planning responsibly for the future.

I have also championed strategic economic development that fits the St. George lifestyle, including her support for Tech Ridge—a forward-thinking project that brings quality jobs, walkable spaces, and innovation to the heart of our community, while preserving open space.

I supported putting the General Obligation (GO) bond on the ballot for voters because it invests in the services and amenities that enhance daily life for families, seniors, and future generations. Some of these projects include expanding trails, city parks, and renovating the historic Sun Bowl—while allowing residents to have a voice in shaping our future.

My record shows smart planning that keeps St. George safe, vibrant, and family-focused.