At the second city council meeting in February, the agenda included a public hearing on an ordinance to approve a one-time incentive payment to Draper Mayor Troy Walker in recognition of his “outstanding service and extensive involvement in various boards and commissions during the 2024-2025 period.” 

Walker, in his third term as mayor, currently serves as President of the Utah League of Cities and Towns as an extension of his mayoral role. The ULCT works on behalf of cities in Utah to influence legislative decisions. Walker is frequently asked to testify in favor of or against bills being considered. As this year’s President of the ULCT, Walker has spent a great deal of time at the capitol during the session. “I’m up there at least once a day,” Walker told the council during a discussion of legislative happenings. 

Among several boards and commissions, Walker serves on the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority representing Draper’s interests in the development of The Point which falls within city limits.

During the council’s discussion of the one-time incentive payment, City Manager Mike Barker explained that Walker has statutory duties under state law and city code, but he’s gone beyond that over the last couple years, including serving as president of the ULCT. 

“The time commitment he’s put in, as well as contributing his political acumen, has been a real benefit to Draper. He’s looked out for our interests. He serves on 10 different boards and commissions, giving residents a voice around tables where decisions are being made. He does so, I’ve observed, to the detriment of time spent with his family and self-employment as an attorney. Every hour he’s spent on Draper is one less hour he has to earn an income. I think it’s well warranted,” Barker said. 

Councilmember Tasha Lowery asked if other cities do something similar. Barker said the city’s Human Resources director had researched the compensation of mayors in other Utah cities. “It looks like other mayors have additional compensation, so I think this one-time incentive pay is well in line with what other cities do to compensate their mayors,” Barker said. 

Lowery praised Walker. “You’re highly valued and appreciated outside Draper. I think that’s why we have this outsize influence,” she said. 

Councilmember Mike Green called Walker “very deserving” of the incentive payment. 

“There’s a difference between going to meetings and having relationships which is why he’s so effective,” Councilmember Bryn Johnson said.

The city council voted unanimously to approve the incentive payment of $10,000 to Walker. According to Barker, Walker’s salary as mayor is $35,000 annually and the incentive payment will come out of the city’s General Fund. 

Walker has long said it’s likely that Draper will need to have a full-time mayor at some point given the city’s rapid growth in recent years. Prior to being mayor, Walker served on the city council. He works locally as an attorney. 

“I love the work, but it does take time and I appreciate that you recognize that,” Walker said. λ