The dawn of a new year marks a time of change for many. For West Bountiful, 2026 began with the swearing in of a new city council member as well as an announcement of things to come. 

Here's a recap of what happened in the city before and after the calendar transition. 

Julie Thompson takes seat on City Council

After receiving 1,049 votes last November, Thompson took her place Jan. 6 on the West Bountiful City Council alongside fellow election winners Kelly Enquist and Mayor Ken Romney. The meeting began with each being sworn in for four years of service. 

A 36-year resident, Thompson ran on the premise of leaving “things (and people) better than you found them.” She’s overseen two local businesses with her husband, and served as a parent-teacher association president twice.

Thompson replaces 16-year council member Mark Preece. A West Bountiful resident since the late 1970s, Preece was awarded lifetime golf privileges at Lakeside Golf Course in recognition of his service.

Council members change assignments

With the group’s reorganization, some individuals on the West Bountiful City Council were given new assignments. Until the next election cycle, each member will serve as a representative or board member for the following organizations:

• Julie Thompson – Planning Commission

• Kelly Enquist – Arts Council and Davis County Mosquito Abatement District

• Jenn Nielsen – Youth City Council and Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District

• Dell Butterfield – Emergency Preparedness Committee, ULCT Legislative Policy Committee and Audit Committee

• James Ahlstrom – Audit Committee

• Kenneth Romney – South Davis Sewer District

In addition to reassignments, West Bountiful is in the process of selecting a new Mayor Pro Tem to replace Preece. 

Upcoming decisions and announcements

As announced during the Jan. 6 council meeting, a variety of items will be addressed throughout the first quarter of the year. Included in that list are plans to coordinate a new wellness survey with the city’s residents – following up on one conducted in 2024.

Additionally, West Bountiful will plan to review the first draft of their audit as well as their first budget amendment. Projects identified in the 2025-26 fiscal year budget include replacing water meters as well as installing a new driving range net at Lakeside Golf Course.

Future council meetings will be held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at West Bountiful City Hall.