For this year’s State of the City address, I will focus on the condition of Malad City’s finances, infrastructure, parks and recreation, economic development, and land use and zoning.

First, I want to thank our city staff. We are fortunate to have dedicated professionals who know their jobs well and consistently do their best. Susan Wittman serves as Malad City Clerk, assisted by Machelle Neal. They work daily with the public and help keep our city running smoothly and efficiently. Tyler Webster is our Superintendent of Public Works and oversees a staff of four, with additional help during the summer months. Our full-time crew includes Gaylen Garrett, Pat Werk, Clint Price, and Quincy Asay. Former employee Josh Barnes was recently hired to assist on Fridays and some Saturdays as needed. This team maintains the cemetery, city park, city roads, and our water and sewer systems.

John Christophersen serves as the City Ordinance Officer, working to enforce Malad City ordinances. Brett Evanson is the Malad City Attorney, along with Fuller & Fuller from Preston, who provide prosecution services. Terrill Schwartz handles the city’s finances as Treasurer, and Shelly Williams serves as the part-time administrator for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Law Enforcement is provided by the Oneida County Sheriff, Doug Williams, and his staff. We appreciate our law enforcement officials, our volunteer fire department, and volunteer EMT’s.

Our Malad City Council members are Lance Tripp, Tyrell Neal, Jaime Olsen, and newly elected John Williams. This year we also said goodbye to Councilman Larry Thomas, who retired after approximately 28 years of service. Larry’s dedication to our community will be greatly missed, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

As mentioned, Terrill Schwartz serves as our City Treasurer. As a former mayor and banker, he brings valuable experience to this role. He works closely with the council to prepare the annual budget and helps guide both council and staff to stay within its limits. Each year, the council carefully assesses the city’s needs in advance and works diligently to live within that budget.

As mayor, I have worked alongside staff, council members, and community partners to secure grants for the city. These grants have been critical in helping us fund necessary infrastructure improvements. One example is the recent Wastewater Project, completed with the assistance of JUB Engineers, the city’s engineering firm.

Coming up this year is the Bannock Street Improvement Project. This project will include reconstruction of Bannock Street, installation of a new stormwater drain, new sidewalks, curbs, and gutters from Four Points to beyond Five Points. Forsgren Associates (now Forsgren, an Apex Company) is overseeing this project. Several grants were secured with their help, along with a Forest Service grant that will also allow improvements and expansion of our city park and walking path.

In Parks and Recreation, we have been fortunate to receive grants that fund “extra” projects -amenities that make our city more attractive and enjoyable for residents. I want to recognize Councilman Lance Tripp for his leadership in Parks and Recreation and for organizing special project committees. Through these efforts, we have completed two major projects - the Splash Pad and Pickleball Courts - and are currently working on a third: a new playground. 

These projects would not be possible without the many community members who serve on committees, seek out grants, and contribute countless hours of work - often hands-on labor, as was the case with the Pickleball Courts. One thing I am especially proud of is the level of community support for these projects. When I share stories of your generosity with our partners, they are always amazed. Thank you to everyone who enthusiastically supports our city and special projects.

The city works with two partners on economic development: the Four County Alliance of Southeast Idaho (4-CASI), led by Administrator Molly Beseris; and Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI), with Teresa McKnight as CEO. Through their expertise, we receive valuable guidance for our community and information about companies interested in relocating to Malad.

The city currently has 19 acres available for expansion of our Industrial Park. While we have not yet been successful in attracting a new business, we continue our efforts and remain hopeful that the right opportunity will come along. We have welcomed several new businesses to Oneida County in recent years and appreciate their contributions to our community.

Another economic development goal we continue to pursue is attracting an additional hotel to Malad City, though this has not yet been successful.

As we work to attract new businesses, we remain mindful of preserving our small-town character. Growth is important, but it must fit our community values. We keep our brand front and center as we plan for the future -“Everybody’s Hometown!”

Regarding land use and zoning, the city hired Shelly Williams, formerly chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, as part-time administrator. Shelly, along with commission members Brent Grote, Jody Farr, Brandon Ekstrom, and Madison Jones, has spent the past year revising the city’s zoning ordinance - a major undertaking. We hope to approve the updated ordinance this spring.

In addition, the city contracted with FCS, a firm that assists with planning and development solutions, including capacity replacement fees. The council recognizes the need to be proactive in preparing for growth. This partnership will help guide how the city grows and how we fund the infrastructure required to support that growth.

With assistance from JUB, the city completed a water and sewer study that has helped the council evaluate future needs. We are currently working with JUB to pursue a grant to improve the city’s water system. Potential improvements include leak detection and repair, upgrades or replacement of Wells #2 and #3, looping water mains, installing pressure-reducing valve vaults, constructing a booster pump station, and using existing spring water rights for secondary irrigation to reduce demand on drinking water wells during summer months.

As mayor and council, we never want to overburden our residents. At the same time, we must balance the need to maintain infrastructure and services, which sometimes requires additional fees. We welcome your input. If you see a need or feel we are falling short in any area, please reach out to us. We want to hear from you.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and our goal is always to do what is best for Malad City and its residents.

Remember Malad City’s website is www.maladidaho.org. We welcome information and dates for events to keep our website up to date.