I Thought UTOPIA was bad, but I was wrong.
I was just reading the latest newsletter from the Utah Taxpayers Association. I thought UTOPIA was bad. Now I’m sure it’s horrible.
I was under the impression that Orem City’s UTOPIA debt was $50 million, which is more than $50 per person. The newsletter points out the debt is $77 million, or closer to $800 for every woman, man and child in the city.
I also assumed that this debt would be paid off with the mandatory fees of $20 per household and $40 per business (adjusted for inflation). Not true. According to the June 2014 Utah Taxpayer Association newsletter, these fees would only go to pay for the costs going forward. Only if there is a substantial upsell in premium services would there be a chance that money would be available to pay off the existing debt.
It’s hard to believe anyone could continue to support something so poorly planned and mismanaged.
About The Author
W E Pete Peterson
Former Executive VP WordPerfect Corporation. Father of 6, grandfather of 23. Retired for now.
Sounds like Utopia fell apart a few years ago after I left. I know in Lindon it was a great fast connection which I really enjoyed. Too bad they couldn’t manage it well! I used to brag about my wonderful Utopia fiber optic connection back in the day! Is Lindon run better? I hope so, maybe they aren’t tied into the Orem mess?
As of the end of 2012 Lindon was only 53% built-out (but better than Orem at 41%). The 10,348 residents still have $15.5 million to be paid on their bond. I’m under the impression that UTOPIA has other debts for which the cities are on the hook. The 11 cities still in the project are all tied into the mess.