A close review of city spending from just one year (2024–2025) shows that Mayor Monica Zoltanski has used tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on gifts, flowers, and more—all while Sandy families tighten their home budgets in the face of inflation and the added expense of Mayor Zoltanski's RED HAT TAX.
These purchases might seem minor one at a time, but over the course of a year, they add up to more than $25,000 in gift-related expenses—all paid for by us, the taxpayers.
Here’s a sampling of what Mayor Z bought with your tax dollars:
- $2,800+ for custom belt buckles
- $2,800+ in flowers
- $2,700+ in holiday gifts
- $2,300+ for red hat stress balls and stickers
- $830+ for custom serapes (a horse blanket) for Monica's horses
- $800+ in senior staff Christmas gifts
- $600+ for Christmas cards (which are almost always paid for with campaign funds—not taxpayer dollars)
- $460+ for frames
- $360+ for mugs
Should the Mayor be sending all these gifts and flowers to residents, supporters, colleagues, and staff? Sure. But NOT at taxpayer expense.
On top of double-digit pay increases for herself and city staff, Mayor Zoltanski also launched her “Z-Bucks” program, costing taxpayers another $10,000 last year.
More concerning is WHY the Mayor is spending public money on so many gifts. We previously reported that Mayor Zoltanski spent over $17,000 on food, snacks, and drinks in just one year. Add another $25,000 in gifts and flowers to the tab, and it appears the Mayor may be using nearly $42,000 in public funds to promote her red hat brand and currly political favor.
Additionally, Mayor Zoltanski claims to be “pro-business,” but it seems that title may only be earned through taxpayer-funded gift-giving. So what businesses are getting the sweetheart deals and how do the rest of us cash in?
This pattern reveals a troubling misuse of city resources. While neighboring cities thrive, Sandy’s economy is lagging, and residents are leaving. At the same time, Mayor Zoltanski proposed a 32% property tax increase, took a $14,000 raise, and sent out flowers and swag to curry political favor.
This isn’t leadership. It’s not economic development. It’s DC-style politics... funded by you.
Mayor Zoltanski is using city funds not to build a stronger Sandy, but to build a stronger campaign image.
Sandy deserves better than a mayor who unnecessarily taxes residents so she can out belt buckles, padfolios, mugs, and flowers to buy goodwill while ignoring the city’s real challenges.
It’s time for fiscal responsibility and transparent leadership—not taxpayer-funded shopping sprees.
👉 Check out the full breakdown of gifts, flowers, and more from the 2024–2025 fiscal year HERE.