Cedar City Public Information Officer Gives Community Update

Gabrielle Costello is the Community Relations and Public Information Officer for Cedar City, and Gabbie joined us this morning on the radio show to talk about some of the events that are going on in our community. 

The first point Gabbie wanted to make is that the city is seeking input from community members about their feelings about life in Cedar City. “We have a Community survey that's out right now, closes on Friday, May 10th. We actually partnered with Utah State University to coordinate that survey and they analyze all the data and you actually get to compare yourself to other cities,” Costello told us.  

The city will gather information from the survey and use it to see where improvements can be made. Since the survey includes questions on various departments operating in city government, department leaders will be able to see areas where they can better serve the public.

The survey will also ask residents about their feelings on job opportunities in the area, and the events put on by the city like the recently concluded Spring Fiesta. 

Utah State University offers the survey free to cities in Utah. You can take the survey by going to CedarCityUT.gov to start the questionnaire. Again, the survey will close this Friday, May 10th. 

Another point of information Gabbie wanted the community to know is that now is the time for organizations to apply for funding available through the RAP (Recreation, Art and Parks) tax. Last fall, area voters said no to both a school bond and a bond proposal to build a new correctional facility, but in the same vote gave support to the continuation of the RAP tax.

Costello told us, “The public does have access to those funds, and once a year people can submit their applications to see if they qualify. You submit your request. On the website, actually, the state is the one that they line out what qualifies to fall under this RAP tax? So if you go to our website at CedarCityUt.gov/RAP, it has a list of things that are defined but not limited to.” Applications for RAP tax funding are due by May 20th. Several organizations in the community, such as the Orchestra of Southern Utah, receive annual funding form the RAP tax.  

Another item Gabbie wanted the community to know about was the upcoming closure of the Aquatic Center. Every year in May, the center closes for maintenance and staff training. This year, that closing is scheduled for May 20th through the 25th. The Aquatic Center will reopen for Memorial Day on May 27th.

You can find out more community happening by signing up for the monthly newsletter at CedarCityUT.gov. And check out our podcast with Gabbie Costello below.