EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — Public court records from Utah’s Fourth District Court show that Mayor Tom W. Westmoreland has been the subject of an active child support lien since January 2009, with a balance of over $60,000 still outstanding as of April 2025.
The lien, filed by the Office of Recovery Services (ORS), was originally entered on Jan. 7, 2009, with a judgment of $93,920.26. According to court documents, the debt peaked at over $134,000 in 2013 and has gradually declined over the past decade. The most recent entry on April 9, 2025, reflects a remaining balance of $60,257.76.
These records, publicly accessible through the Utah court system, show consistent monthly modifications to the judgment, suggesting either incremental payments or adjustments based on enforcement actions. The lien is classified as a “child support lien,” indicating it stems from unpaid court-ordered support obligations.
A Record of Public Service
Mayor Westmoreland has been a prominent figure in Eagle Mountain’s civic landscape for over a decade. First elected to the Eagle Mountain City Council in the early 2010s, he went on to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore before being elected mayor in 2017. He began his mayoral term in January 2018 and was reelected in 2021.
During his tenure, Westmoreland has presided over significant economic development and infrastructure expansion in Eagle Mountain, helping secure high-profile business investments from companies like Google, Facebook, and Tyson Foods. His administration has emphasized managed growth, public-private partnerships, and regional transportation advocacy.
His campaign platforms have routinely championed fiscal conservatism, family values, and transparent governance.
No Legal Bar, But Ethical Questions Linger
While Utah law does not prohibit individuals with unpaid child support from holding public office, the existence of a long-term support lien raises ethical and reputational questions, particularly for elected officials who campaign on family and fiscal responsibility.
According to the Utah State Office of Recovery Services, child support liens are enforced through a variety of means, including wage garnishments, tax refund intercepts, and property liens. However, there is no statute in Utah barring someone from running for or serving in public office based on their support payment history.
The Cedar Valley Sentinel has reached out to Mayor Westmoreland and received the following from a spokesperson for his re-election campaign.
“Thank you for the opportunity to clear the air on this. Navigating a divorce is never easy. It’s deeply personal and it always involves two parties, so I’ll keep this brief out of respect for my former wife and the mother of my children. But to address concerns, I want to make one thing abundantly clear: While I haven’t always agreed with every judgment in the case, I have always respected the rule of law and made regular, court-ordered payments. A long time ago, an attorney did not file a paper. Because of that, I was levied with additional retroactive child support that now shows as debt. At this stage, my children are grown adults, and that’s influenced how I approach monthly payment amounts on the remaining balance. Still, I take my obligation seriously and am committed to resolving the matter fully.”
I followed up on this statement with this question: He stated, “I have always respected the rule of law and made regular payments, court-ordered payments.” The judgment was originally posted on 1-7-2009. No payments were made until 6-1-2011. For 29 months, no payments were made on the judgment, which increased the judgment to $123,68.26 from the original $92,920.26. Can you give me a statement as to why that was the case?”
The same spokesperson replied with, “As his spokesperson, I’ll say this: The details of this personal matter have no bearing on Mayor Westmoreland’s ability to lead Eagle Mountain. The City is in fantastic financial health, and he’s proven to be an effective and reliable leader.”
Public Records and Transparency
The lien against Mayor Westmoreland is part of a searchable public case file (Case No. 096400154), available through the Utah Courts website. The document outlines more than 190 judgment entries across a 16-year period, many with updated balances indicating active case management by ORS.
This article is part of the Sentinel’s ongoing commitment to transparency and public accountability. As with any elected official, financial and legal records—when part of the public domain—are essential components of informed civic dialogue.
Sources:
- Utah State Courts – Case No. 096400154
- Office of Recovery Services (ORS)
- Eagle Mountain City Government – Mayor’s Biography
- Utah Code, Title 20A – Election Law
Update:
Email conversation between Cedar Valley Sentinel and Ashley Losoya, the PR company hired by Mayor Westmoreland for his re-election campaign. https://prospolitical.com
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.