Recession! Depression! Stock market losses! Bank failures! BankruptcyiForeclosures! Unemployment! These were the words floating around our city, as well as the state, nation and world, in 2009.The national deficit ballooned as various government interventions were put in place in an effort to stabilize the declining economy whirlwind. Fortunately, Utah was generally in better condition than most other states. Serious problems faced many around us. Some of our citizens lost their jobs. We received words of local encouragement in the January issue of The Pioneer Post which featured Mayor Keith Butler's State of the City report. Looking back, he said, "It is hard to believe that Marriott-Slaterville is in its tenth year as a city. In 1999, when the city was started, we began without anything but a few pencils and some scratch paper. We met in the board room of the old Weber Fire Station in the Weber Industrial Park." He reminded us of some of the accomplishments of the city since that time. The new city building was paid-in-full when it was built five years ago. We have no municipal property tax or additional franchise taxes, and no debt. Services such as law enforcement, solid waste collection and disposal, and road maintenance are provided. We have new storm water facilities, preserved open space, multiple parks, a trails program, created a business district, a facility for meetings and gatherings, a senior citizens center and program, cultural activities, CERT and emergency management, a newsletter, representation on various organizations and districts, and other services. Many new businesses have located within our city,of the type that are allowed within our zoning regulations. "Our accomplishments over the last decade were made possible because of our City Council, staff, and many volunteers. The Planning Commission works tirelessly... Our park committee is responsible for making the plans and working to create a new bowery at the Slaterville Park and the municipal gardens behind the city office. Thank you...Keep up the good work." He addressed our concerns about finance in this recession. He believed if we adhered to our general plan and zoning policies, and tightened our belts some in 2009, keeping within our budget, we would continue to pay no municipal property tax, and will weather the economic storm in our nation. The Mayor also told us that Marriott-Slaterville is not facing the struggle with budget problems and raising taxes, as many local and state governments are. Even with the recession, the city had a modest surplus last budget year. The new budget was approved by the city council without any municipal property tax. Both branches of city government worked hard to keep the budget balanced. The only increase was for extra garbage cans which Waste Management increased from $3.75 to $4.25. He encouraged all residents to maintain individual budgets and prepare for the possibility of continuing deterioration in the economy. Be aware of the issues that individuals and the community face. Ryan Child, Independent Auditor, whose firm completed the annual independent audit and prepared the financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, reported in December 2009. He said the city is in good financial shape and has a modest surplus, confirming the Mayor's beliefs. Mayor Butler complimented the work of the city staff at a council meeting. Mr. Bill Morris makes sure all of the city books are codified, he handles the legal obligations of the city, and acquires grants. Mr. Ken Martin is a very knowledgeable building inspector, and is able to communicate with the most difficult of people. He is training and helping Trent Meyerhoffer in many situations. Mr. Meyerhoffer has only been part-time, but is needed full-time. He has designed the new boweries and restrooms, and built the restroom behind the city office. Becky Burt runs the office with multitudes of responsibilities. Rich Adam takes care of city finances, the IRS, writes checks and keeps the books. In turn, Mr. Morris thanked the Mayor for all he does, and his excellent job on the budget; the city has no debt due to his hard work Governing the City At the January 15, 2009, Council Meeting, Dennis Ilium was re-elected as President of the Council and Rob Smout as Vice President, by acclamation, for the ensuing year.