By Stephanie Yrungaray | [email protected]

Herriman residents received a fun surprise in the mail in the form of $10 in Herriman Bucks.

The money is part of a City Shop Around program that was designed by city leaders to help both residents and businesses struggling economically from the coronavirus pandemic. Each address received a $10 off a $20 purchase to use at any of the participating businesses. The businesses can then submit the coupons to Herriman City offices for reimbursement. 

“We understand the impact that this pandemic has had on our residents and businesses alike,” said Herriman city Assistant City Manager Tami Moody. “During this uncertain time, we wanted to offer a program that could benefit all parties involved, our businesses as well as our residents.” 

City officials hope the program will incentivize residents to spend money on local businesses. In turn, businesses will submit the vouchers for reimbursement. The money for the reimbursement comes from Herriman City’s general fund. 

“It can basically be considered as giving our community back $10 from their property taxes, like a rebate, to invest back into the community,” Moody said. “[It provides] the economy a kick-start as we move through the various phases of the coronavirus restrictions and their effects.” 

Deborah Suliin-Drew, the owner of Salt City Sweet Shops, learned about the City Shop Around program from an email. 

“It was kind of a no brainer,” Suliin-Drew said. “Basically, the city pays us $10, and the customer has to buy $20.There’s no reason not to participate.”

Suliin-Drew said they have had more than 20 customers use their Herriman bucks at the store, but the biggest benefit is greater awareness of their sweets shop. 

“It is amazing to me that after almost three years [in Herriman], people still don’t know that we exist,” said Suliin-Drew. “We’ve had people come in who didn’t know about us before. It has been a great program, and I think most small businesses appreciate this support from the city.”

The Herriman bucks were good for the entire month of June at more than 42 different businesses in Herriman. Moody said the residents and businesses have said great things about the City Shop Around.

“The response for the program has been so great that we are hoping to present to the council the potential to run the program again in the fall,” said Moody. “We have recently found out that this program falls under the CARES Act, which could increase the likelihood of being able to run it again.”