Understanding the $35 Million Vineyard City Hall Bond Referendum

In April 2025, while most of us were vacationing over Spring Break, the Mayor and Vineyard City Council convened themselves into an “Special Session” and passed Resolution 2025-15, authorizing the issuance of up to $35 million in Sales and Franchise Tax Revenue Bonds to fund the construction of a new Vineyard City Hall and government complex. That decision raised serious concerns for many of us in the community, which is why we’ve launched this citizen-led referendum effort — to ensure Vineyard voters have a voice in the process.

Let us be clear: we’re not against the idea of a future City Hall. What we’re asking for is transparency, fiscal responsibility, and public input before our city takes on this kind of long-term financial burden.

What Is the Bond For?

The $35 million bond would pay for a large government building known as the "Vineyard Center" or City Hall. This complex would not only house city offices but also subsidize space for outside organizations and business incubators. The debt would be repaid over 25 to 35 years using sales and franchise tax revenue.

From what we’ve been told, the city’s bond advisors are leaning toward an interest-only structure in the early years. That might sound affordable now, but it means future city budgets could be overwhelmed by ballooning payments. In the worst-case scenario, we could be paying $1.7 million per year — nearly half of Vineyard’s annual sales tax revenue.

Why We’re Concerned

We’ve come together around this referendum effort for a number of reasons:

1. Lack of Transparency: The vote happened during spring break, even though we were told it wouldn’t. We were promised town halls and a chance to speak before the decision — instead, the public comment was scheduled after the vote.

2. Financial Risk: Vineyard’s capital projects fund is completely empty. The city’s other funds, including those for water, sewer, and operations, are below safe reserve levels. Taking on this kind of debt without any financial cushion is risky — especially if revenue forecasts don’t hold up.

3. Potential Tax Increases: The city hasn’t told us how it plans to make the payments. Without major cuts to services, the only way to make up the difference may be future tax increases. Many of us already pay the highest city property taxes in Utah County. With inflation and housing costs hitting families hard, we can’t afford another hit to our budgets.

4. Misuse of Public Resources: A significant part of the new building would go to outside groups or activities that don’t belong in a city-run space. Government should focus on basic services, not compete with private businesses or subsidize office space.

5. No Confirmed Tenants or Revenue: There’s talk that the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) might pay $8 million to lease part of the building — but there’s no contract in place. The city is taking on all the risk without a firm commitment.

Why We’re Using a Referendum

A referendum gives voters the final say. Under Utah law, we had just 7 days to file and now have 45 days to collect enough signatures to put this bond on the November 2025 ballot.

We believe Vineyard residents should have the right to decide on a project of this scale. It’s a matter of respecting taxpayers and making smart decisions for our city’s future.

What We’re Asking For

We’re not against a City Hall. We know the city needs one — eventually. But we’re asking for:

• A modest, phased approach

• Better financial planning and transparency

• Realistic projections and commitments from partners

• Real public input before decisions are made

Let’s Do This Together

This referendum is about more than a building. It’s about trust, accountability, and protecting our community’s future. We’re proud to be part of this grassroots effort — neighbors coming together to ask for a voice.

Sign the petition. Share it with friends. Help us bring this decision to the people.

Let Vineyard vote.