During the recent Town Council Work Meeting held on May 14, 2025, in Virgin, Washington County, discussions centered around the town's budget for software and technology improvements, highlighting a pressing need for increased funding.

One of the key topics was the budget allocation for software expenses, which has remained at $30,000 for the upcoming year. However, concerns were raised by graduate students from Southern Utah University (SUU) who conducted a study on the town's technology needs. They indicated that this amount is insufficient for the town's requirements, suggesting that a budget of $50,000 would be more appropriate to adequately support necessary upgrades.

The council members acknowledged the feedback from the students, recognizing the importance of investing in technology to enhance town services. Additionally, a recent communication with Civic Plus, the company responsible for the town's website, revealed plans for an upgrade that had been promised a year ago but has yet to be realized. This further emphasizes the urgency for increased funding to ensure that the town's digital infrastructure meets the needs of its residents.

As the council continues to evaluate the budget, the discussions from this meeting underscore the critical role that technology plays in improving community services and the necessity for adequate financial resources to support these advancements. The council's next steps will likely involve reassessing the budget to better align with the town's technological needs and the expectations of its residents.