- I worked with the Lichfield Family to secure the donation of the two-gymnasium building and also helped obtain a $100,000 contribution from State Bank of Southern Utah. Our city then built a new facility to serve our growing community’s recreational needs.
- I secured $2 million in funding from Greater Zion, and $100,000 from Sonic Door and Windows for the new four-court gymnasium currently under construction, with expected completion in November.
- I also obtained an additional $500,000 from Greater Zion to expand and enhance trails throughout Hurricane—including a pedestrian bridge over 180 West to ensure safer access for walkers and bikers. Engineering will begin soon.
- I successfully secured $1 million from the Washington County School District to help fund Hurricane City’s new indoor pool, which has been engineered and is going out to bid in the next few weeks. Construction is anticipated to begin in September.
- I worked with the Utah State Legislature to fund a new road into Sand Hollow State Park on the southeast side of the lake. I also secured 2 million dollars Grant funding from the Utah Outdoor Recreation for improved on and off ramps at exit 19 on SR-7. This will create safer queuing lanes and a new entrance into Sand Hollow State Park. This improves access to Sand Mountain through the Green gate adding a second access along with the single lane tunnel currently used by jeeps and ATVs.
- I led the effort to raise all the funds and coordinate contractor donations—both time and materials—for the new Veterans Memorial Park, which is now under construction. The total engineered project is estimated at $660,000.
Answer: Nanette Billings, Hurricane City Mayor
Question: What are the top two challenges facing our city right now, and what specific actions would you take in your first year to address them?
Answer: Managing Rapid Growth and Development
• The Challenge: Hurricane has experienced explosive growth in recent years, with rising housing demands and increasing pressure on infrastructure, roads, water, and public services. Residents are concerned about high-density developments changing the character of the community and straining resources.
How to Fix It:
• Follow the Master Plan: Uphold zoning standards that reflect long-term community goals, especially preserving low-density and rural areas. I have led out on voting no to change zones.
• Smart Infrastructure Planning: Ensure new development pays its fair share for roads, water, sewer, and utilities—so current taxpayers aren’t burdened. We have passed impact fees in power and water. And we have been developing our water rights. We have 3 new wells started and the irrigation expansion project.
• Transparency with the Public: Involve residents in land use decisions early.
• Traffic and Road Improvements: Prioritize key corridors and intersections for upgrades to keep pace with growth without sacrificing safety.
2. Securing and Managing Water Resources
The Challenge: Hurricane is a desert community, and long-term water availability is a top concern. With limited rainfall and reliance on wells, springs, and allocations from the Virgin River system, water management is critical for future development.
How to Fix It:
• Access, Retain, and Deliver: Proactively secure future water rights, expand storage capacity (like tanks and recharge ponds), and modernize delivery systems.
• Conservation Incentives: Encourage landscaping and irrigation practices that reduce water use without sacrificing quality of life.
• Regional Cooperation: Work with Washington County Water Conservancy District and neighboring cities to share resources and plan for long-term sustainability.
• Change the use: perfectly great spring water inside and change that use from perfectly good spring water from outdoor use to reused water.
Question: What specific experience, qualifications, or background do you bring that would help you prepare for this position?
Answer:
I work the hardest.
I study every issue.
I ask questions.
I go to the site and see for myself.
I ask citizens and get other views.
I know how to budget.
I know how to say “No ”
I have learned an elected official role.
I am forward thinking and do what’s needed.
I have and will continue filing for grants.
I show up, stand up and listen to you.
Question: How would you describe your approach to growth, both residential and commercial? Do you see yourself as pro-growth, controlled-growth, or growth-resistant, and why?
Answer: I follow the master plan concerning growth. The constitution gives you and anyone that owns property the right to develop that property. It really does not matter if it is 1906 or 2026 when you develop. As long as you build within the zoning guidelines you have the entitlements. If you stay within the master plan your commercial is in the commercial and you have areas where you will have good connections, and city neighborhood parks and stores. All are essential to a growing city. I am not smarter than the planner that we hired and paid 90,000 to build a master plan for the city to follow. I know how to ask questions to make sure we are following the plan and not increasing density.
Question: Many residents are concerned about transparency, especially when it comes to accessing Council voting records and understanding decisions made in closed-door meetings. How do you view the current level of transparency in local government, and what role should elected officials play in improving public access to information and accountability?
Answer: Transparency is not a goal. I make it happen. Everything is open to the public to attend. The minutes, agendas, meeting recordings are placed on the city and public notice website.
You can only hold a closed meeting for 3 reasons:
1. Eminent or ongoing litigation
2. Purchase of real property
3. The competence of an employee
No decisions can be made and no discussions can be had without a quorum. That is 3 council members can not gather or meet and discuss city business.
I have followed the open and public meetings act 100%.
I believe if an item is requested by GRAMA. If it is available on the website we direct the person to the website. If an item that is not for public viewing you make it available to the public. I believe that small fee has not and does not cover staff time to redact the information. But I feel if the person wants the information you provide it for them.
Question: What criteria will guide your decisions on city spending and budgeting, especially when resources are limited?
Answer: Great budgeting decisions for Hurricane should be rooted in a few key principles that balance responsibility, growth, and the needs of residents. Here are six good ways I guide my decision-making:
1. Prioritize Essential Services First - Always fund critical infrastructure and services first such as water, power, roads, emergency services, and public safety. These are the backbone of a Hurricane city.
2. Follow the Master Plan - Align spending with the city’s long-term vision. The General Plan reflects community values using it as a guide to ensure that resources go toward projects that protect small-town character and prepare for our future needs.
3. Listen to the Public - Hold regular budget hearings, town halls, and surveys. Make sure taxpayer dollars reflect the priorities of residents. If it is a park, trails, infrastructure, or public safety.
4. Invest in Long-Term Sustainability - Choose projects that may cost more now but save money later. Water development, irrigation expansion systems, durable road materials, or energy-efficient city buildings.
5. Keep Debt Low and Reserves Healthy - Avoid over-leveraging the city. Maintain healthy reserves for emergencies and plan projects in phases if full funding isn’t immediately available. Reserves need to be about 10 months of running capital to be healthy.
6. Make Development Pay Its Way - Ensure new developments contribute fairly to the cost of infrastructure they require. Use impact fees responsibly to avoid shifting the burden to current taxpayers.
7. Stay and Live Within Our Budget. - Never let here and now influence a decision. Unless you have the saved resources. Bright stars and rainbows do not guide good choices. Steady and slow wins the race with budgeting.
I can promise you one thing. A new mayor or council cannot change what you are hoping for because people have a personal property right.
Dust is an issue. If land was developed in 1906 or in 2025 they have the right to move dirt, blast and build. That is not going to stop with a new elected council. They would not have the powers or right to do that. Developing companies have regulations and when they go home at night, or over the weekend and when the wind blows, they are not required to have 24/7 water coverage.
Digging is another issue. The requirements are to water the roads where they drive. Not where they are digging. So the dirt will move around in the wind regardless of state or municipal law. Legally it is allowed because you can’t control the wind.The city council and I want to help. The constitution does not allow us to prohibit development of their property.
I appreciate your views and respect everyone and their rights. I am sorry if you feel I have not been heard on these issues. Running for office is difficult and I know I will never please everyone. I don’t have a vote on the council. However I understand my role as mayor including running council meetings.
Here are two examples where it doesn’t matter what I (or another elected official) could do and people will still not be happy:
1) Adding lighting to the airport: Pilots and travelers are happy to have pappy lights to help them land at night. However the community living around the airport would be furious to have the airport change from day use only to a night use as well.
2) A building moratorium: If our city council voted on a building moratorium it would only be allowed for six months per state law and it would only be allowed one time. A moratorium would disrupt the community whose livelihoods depend on pouring concrete, laying flooring, painting, etc. It could also affect up to 40% of our local economy. Some people who move here would like to see growth slow, yet they are part of the reason for growth. We welcome great people to our community.
The love our city council and I have for Hurricane and our citizens drives our decisions and passion to serve. It’s reflected in the way we vote and work. Let me know how I can better serve you.
Nanette Billings
Hurricane City Mayor
435-680-2757
Q&A - City Screets
Q. If elected for mayor, what are your plans the city’s insufficient roads? Every year more and more people travel our roads and every year they fall further part. It’s a huge safety issue for our drivers and our children trying to get to school. I live on 700 West and that road is a nightmare not being finished the whole way, and all the settling that’s going on with it. 400 West is a Motocross track. 920 West is the same and virtually a one lane road by between 400 South and 650 South. 650 South is the scary with all the children and no sidewalks that are finished the whole way and being a narrow road.
A. Our city streets are a huge concern. We have allocated over 2 million dollars to streets and still can’t keep up. SR9 and SR7 are funded, and maintained by UDOT. Other streets in the city are paid for, repaired and redone through tax payers. We are working on them. The tax base is increasing and that will help to fix more roads this next year.
I totally agree with you. All of those roads need work. The City Council appropriated funds last year and hired engineering for 700 West and 2800 West. We also added 920 West to the top of the list for this year. Easements with land owners take time. When the road is not dedicated at the time the land owner builds their home. It is more difficult to get the roads in later.
Many of the homes on 920 West have their property lines to the road. The value of their right of way must be negotiated. Several homeowners on 920 West do not want to improve the road. They prefer not having the improvements thinking it will keep the lighter traffic. But the reality is the more homes that go in, the more traffic.
Which brings us to Public Safety. Repairs are necessary on every street you mentioned. 400 West is a complete mess. The water drainage has caused the settling. I have lived in the fields 27 years and that road has been redone three times. Water runs under the road when it is being irrigated. Hurricane City is planning to redo the road and it is on the plan. 650 South sidewalks are not on the plan to complete the entirety. However a few subdivisions that are currently building, will upgrade the sidewalks in front of their road way.
Our City Council have discussed all of the roads in Hurricane and working to repair them. 54 square miles of town is an undertaking. But we are working with developers and our tax dollars to keep Public Safety as a priority. I know the allocation of funding road ways is slow coming. But it is coming. Thanks for reaching out. I will spread the vision as Mayor with the council when elected. You and I share those same concerns. I ask for your vote November 2nd and ask for you to talk to 10 of your neighbors. Please share my website and ask them to reach out as well. Thanks, Nanette
Labor Day 2021
Many don’t really understand why we celebrate Labor Day.This national holiday was placed into law on July 28, 1894. When manufacturing work started to outstrip agriculture, citizens unitedly organized strikes, rallies, and protests against poor working conditions. The average American worked 12-hour days, seven days a week, just to make ends meet. Even 5-year-olds were often put to work in mills, factories, and mines! Harsh working conditions included little access to fresh air, unsafe environments, and long hours with no breaks. Workers exercised their constitutional rights to petition the government for redress of grievances.
We celebrate Labor Day as a free people with our right to work, prosper, and be protected from abusive corporations. I will always helpHurricane city be a right-to-work place. I support businesses and employees alike. All jobs should begin with honorable business owner providing a needed service in our community. I encourage an entrepreneurial environment to continue job growth so our children can live and work locally.
What a blessing to live, work, raise a family, and recreate in the best town in Utah: The City of Hurricane!
Exciting Peach Days!
I hope you enjoyed Hurricane's 23rd Annual "Peach Week!" The free BBQ , the David Archuleta concert, free peach cobbler, musical performances, the street booths, the quilt displays, the parade, ALL of it was great. It was great to see you there and we are looking forward to next year!
Pioneer Day July 24th - A Time to Celebrate Our (Water) Heritage
I am blessed to be a Utahn and honor my pioneer heritage during the special month of July. Hurricane Valley was founded by the best of the best. We owe so much to our visionary pioneer founders for developing access to our water. Without their efforts to provide water in our valley, they couldn’t have established their lives here and we certainly wouldn’t be here today.
The Hurricane Canal Project brought water onto the Hurricane Bench allowing people, like my great grandparents, to settle here. They were rewarded land in Laverkin and Hurricane for helping to build the canal. My great-grandfather was the first ditchrider. He made sure the water was flowing properly down the canal.
Today, the canal is no longer the lifeblood of Hurricane after the Canal Company added the water pipeline. The last ditchrider before this change was my mother’s brother, Bill Wright. So, you could say bringing water to our valley is in my blood.
This past year has been the worst water flow since recording this information began in the late 1800’s.
All Southern Utah only has one water resource: The Virgin River Basin. Hurricane City—along with the rest of Washington County Water Conservative District—has helped develop ways to access as much of this essential resource by building wells, holding tanks, and reservoirs. Like our ancestors who engineered the plan that became the Hurricane Canal allowing this desert valley to blossom, Hurricane City is following their example. The city built two wells and developed access to two springs. Our city currently gets most of its water from Toquerville Falls. We are currently in the process acquiring land to build one more well this year and have plans to develop another well in the next few years.
Since the Virgin River Basin is currently our only water source, questions about future availability are legitimate. The district has made a huge effort to conserve and has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to promote conservation. They are looking into several options to develop more resources as well. Here are the most likely:
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO). This is not the development of a new resource but an option to reuse water. It requires a long time to process and takes hundreds of acres of drying bins as well as the need to haul away extracted salt. I have reviewed the cost data for this option and it’s very expensive. RO is projected to double the cost for water.
2. Water Waste Reuse Plants. Like the RO option, this is not a development of a new water resource but for reuse. This option costs even more than RO but affords use for recreational and agricultural purposes.
3.The Lake Powell Pipeline. This option is currently being pursued. It would provide access to the 88,000 acre-feet of water from Flaming Gorge. The rights to these water shares are owned by the Washington County Water Conservancy District who is in the process of an environmental study. The report will show how to access the water and how it will affect the environment. This process is long and tedious and still has a few phases to complete before a decision can be made to move forward. Future phases after the study include applying for and receiving permits, litigation, design, and financing. I believe the most important part of the discussion needs to be who is paying for it and how much will it cost.
4. Management Conversion. This is the last and least-appealing option. It includes turning over agriculture land and its available water, as well as water from recreational land, to the water district to manage. Here’s where I take a stand and interject, “Over my dead body!”
Washington County currently uses just over 28,000 acre-feet of water per year. The Virgin River Basin provides about 33,000 acre-feet of water available each year (based on lowest-water-year projections like this year). Washington County also has over 100,000 acre-feet of water in the aquifer underneath our city. The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report states that when Washington County is fully developed, use will increase to 125,000 acre-feet of water per year.
To maintain our small-town charm, we should NOT try to develop our area with the highest population density possible resulting in over-stressing our water resources. We need to stick to our current zoning plan to maintain our amazing small-town way of life.
July 5, 2021 - Our Future is as Bright as the Fourth of July Fireworks
Skies across America lit up in grandeur with fireworks, reflecting our freedoms and patriotism within our hearts. We celebrate our forbearers who sacrificed all and those that defend the country we love today. In the 245 years since the signing of The Declaration of Independence, The United States has become the global leader. Freedom created a nation, to which millions have flocked. When I pass by our flag, or think of the servicemen/women, and our emergency responders who protect and defend us daily. My heart is full of gratitude for all they sacrifice to to give each of us the opportunity to live and achieve The American Dream. We should celebrate them.
Greatness from the past will be lost if we don’t move forward in faith with our future. A current Wall Street Journal article (To Be Young and Pessimistic in America, Abigail Shrier, May 14, 2021) points out the challenges young people face in America. Depression, suicide, and anxiety affect our children in staggering numbers within every economic group. I have witnessed the same affects on youth in our community. Many of our youth receive counseling for mental health issues. Some have attempted suicide, and too many have actually succeeded. Some youth are on suicide watch. This is a severe problem.
Reports show that spending time online with social media can be destructive to the mental health of our youth. There is a reason for their overriding pessimism: they are continually exposed to how wonderful the past was and how frightening the future is. This information is coming at our youth from every direction. Parents, grandparents, news and social media, other relations, and educators, often express that America is on a path towards destruction.
Faith is an essential human need. Faith is liberating. Fear is paralyzing. Without faith in the future, there is no reason to move forward. Finding the good in what we have to live for, and look forward to, is essential.
Saving our future, means giving hope to our future. We must express faith and trust that our youth will become our leaders. We must share our excitement in, and anticipation for, their bright futures, rather than a dreadful day ahead.
I challenge myself and anyone else who will listen to do thre things:
1) Take time to think about and honor our amazing American history.
2) Write in a "gratitude journal" about the blessings that living in the United States of America have brought you and you family over the past generations.
3) Share your faith in our country's future with young people you can influence. Our future is bright!
As I started the Hurricane Youth City Council in April 2020 during the pandemic, I was amazed to see nine local young people rise to the occasion to serve, learn, and be part of our great community. Expecting results was all it took. They preformed beautifully and will be amazing leaders in our future.
Indeed, the future of Hurricane is bright!
July 3. 2021 - A Tribute to Past Hurricane Mayors - Hurricane Parade
June 28, 2021 - Independence Day and what it means to me...
For me, the 4th of July celebration has always included a parade, BBQ ribs, a baseball game with family, and a slice of watermelon. However, the real reason I celebrate are the freedoms we enjoy every day. These liberties were born through the beautiful Declaration of Independence, and solidified by The Constitution of the United States of America.
George Washington said, “The power under the Constitution will always be in the people.”
We cannot have apathy. We must stand up, and lead out. Thomas Jefferson said it best, “We in America do not have government by the majority— we have government by the majority who participate. All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”
Enjoy your July 4th!
June 25, 2021 - I voted NO on the Hurricane fireworks ban. Here's why...
Mayor Bramall has called a state of emergency fireworks ban in Hurricane City. The city fireworks show will still be held at Sand Hallow State Park on July 3rd. When fire restrictions are lifted based on state fire levels, the ban will go away. I agree, everything is the driest we have ever experience in a hundred years. Do we really want fireworks done at all? Everything is so dry!
I believe 99% of our citizens would obey the ordinance already in place if we ask them to only do legal fireworks in the three locations that were allowed in Hurricane City. I believe when you give people correct information and let them govern themselves. They make good choices.
The same number of citizens will break the law regardless of the ban or just as an ordinance. A violation can carry a class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to 1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.
I agree we need to protect our citizens and take care of the health and safety of our community. I voted no for the ban because I thought we should do it in a way that is not taking away others rights. It is hard to celebrate Independence Day when we take away freedoms.
June 18, 2021 - I voted NOT to change zoning. Here's why...
Last night in our city council meeting, I was the only council member not voting to change zoning for more population density in Hurricane. I’m in favor of our current zoning laws. We do not need to increase density in our city. Our citizens want to be heard and my vote reflects their desires for Hurricane. I support development, but not against the wishes of our citizens.
We also voted and approved a balanced budget. We are very careful about on how we spend our tax dollars. I am excited we budgeted enough money to finish the Equestrian Park/ Rodeo Grounds on 1100 W. as well as lights for the picket ball courts at Dixie Springs Park. These projects will be up for bid after the fiscal year starts in July.
Hurricane City lives and stays within the budget. We are fiscally responsible. I attended the Hurricane Valley Chamber of Commerce meeting where our city planner, Stephen Nelson, spoke about our master plan. I agree with his vision on how we are trying to make life better for residents that live and work in Hurricane.
Last year, 572 residential single-family/town homes and 84 apartments were completed. We also grew by 35 new commercial buildings. Potential growth could be as high as 150,000 residents! I represent citizens at every council meeting to keep zoning as it currently is and not change zoning or our master plan.
Our updated General Plan was placed into effect by the council in March 2021. It includes land use, resources, and economic development. It includes processes for improving the community well-being while strengthening the economy including activities, dining, parks, and the character of our small town charm. We are about 22% developed. Hurricane is the county’s third third largest city by land mass. made up of 54 square miles. Hurricane has partnered with St. George economic development to have our master plan be more proactive instead of reactive.
You are likely aware of the area housing shortage, specifically affordable housing. Based on numbers from Workforce Services, we are short 750 units. Only 80% affordable for the medium workforce.
Utilities and services are also a concern. Land to operate on, and water resources are being developed currently in our city and also through the Washington County Water Conservancy District to meet our growing needs. Our services need to be adequate for growth.
I remain committed to representing our citizens and their voices as we manage the challenges growth brings to our city.
