District 3 Council Member Kay Hoogland

Volunteer Power and Pay: What’s Best for OVC?
By District 3 Council Member Kay Hoogland - 25 September 2026
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Volunteers powered the incorporation process and helped stand up Ogden Valley City. I’ve spent nearly four years on the incorporation trail—first as a rank-and-file volunteer, then as a recruiter and organizer, and now as an elected official—and along the way I’ve gained a deep respect for the valley’s remarkable talent and generous spirit. That’s what got us here.

We’ve reached a critical point for our city. Nine months in, OVC is up and running. The road is still bumpy at times, but the city is settling into a normal routine. The municipal code and land-use regulations are in effect; more than 100 ordinances and resolutions have been adopted and are being put into practice; working relationships with outside agencies are in place; and new processes and programs are taking shape.

At the September 15 public hearing, residents had a lively discussion about whether the city should keep relying solely on volunteers or begin paying elected officials and staff an annual stipend. Some speakers urged us to keep filling key city offices and staff roles with unpaid volunteers—essentially, keep doing what got us here. Others argued that stipends are now appropriate for officials and staff who put in long hours, and that paying them is essential to showing the actual cost of running the city.
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The table below summarizes some of the benefits and risks of relying on a volunteer workforce for city government.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Bottom line: the city will always rely on the amazing talent in this valley. I’ve seen volunteers take on some of the most complex financial and analytical work the city needs. They’ve also planned and hosted celebrations, clean-ups, and many other community events. Engaging residents and welcoming their energy and contributions is non-negotiable.

At the same time, we need to strike a balance between what day-to-day city operations require and what volunteers are willing and able to take on.

To re-energize the volunteer effort and ensure we strike the right balance, Council Member Chad Booth and I are working together to review how the city engages volunteers and to build a clear, practical path for anyone who wants to help.

If you have thoughts or advice on how to get more residents involved, please email [email protected]. That email address reaches the Mayor and the entire City Council. Help us keep you and your neighbors involved in serving this unique community we all cherish.

As the saying goes, you dance with the one who brought you. Volunteers brought us here—now let’s make sure we all keep dancing together!

​Note: This update was provided by Ogden Valley City as a community service and is independent of The Ogden Valley News.