Salt Lake County officials have unveiled two significant financial proposals to residents, including a proposed 2013 budget that requires a 17.5% increase in countywide taxes and a $47 million bond measure for regional parks and trails set for a November 2012 vote.
2013 Budget Tax Increases
On November 8, 2012, Mayor Peter Corroon presented the Salt Lake County budget for the 2013 fiscal year, a plan described by county officials as the result of a year-long collaborative process involving elected officials, employees, and citizens. The proposed budget is essentially flat but faces a significant funding gap that requires $30.9 million in new revenues to close.
To address this gap, the county is proposing a 17.5% increase in countywide taxes, which officials state would result in a 3.2% increase on an average resident's overall tax bill. This equates to approximately $5.35 per month for the average home. According to the Salt Lake County announcement, property tax revenues are not indexed for inflation and do not rise alongside property values unless new construction occurs. The county noted that it has lost 26% of its purchasing power since 2001.
The Mayor's approach to the budget emphasizes finding efficiencies and implementing cuts. The county reported that previous efforts included the elimination of 232 full-time positions and more than $24 million in base budget cuts. Officials stated that without these reductions, the required tax increase would have been double the amount currently proposed. The county further warned that failing to implement a tax increase would lead to facility closures and devastating service cuts.
The 2013 budget covers several essential public services, including the District Attorney's office, jail operations, search and rescue, emergency operations, and public health. Additionally, the county manages marriage licenses, passports, elections, libraries, recreation, parks, and various services for seniors and children.
Park and Trails Bond Details
Parallel to the budget discussions, Salt Lake County is preparing for a November 6, 2012, general election where voters will decide on Proposition #1, the Regional Park and Trails Bond. This $47 million bond proposal would authorize the county to issue funds to complete several major trail segments and develop new regional parks.
The proposed bond aims to fund specific improvements across multiple planning areas. Key projects include $11.5 million for the completion of the Jordan River Trail, involving bridges, crossings, water trails, and land easements to fill existing gaps. The plan also allocates $5 million for Parley's Trail in the North Planning Area and $4 million for additional segments of the same trail in the East Planning Area.
In the West Planning Area, the bond includes $5.5 million for land acquisition for Magna Park and $5 million for Lodestone Park. The Southwest Planning Area is slated to receive $10 million for a Southwest Regional Park, while the Southeast Planning Area has $6 million allocated for Wheadon Park. Additionally, the bond seeks to acquire land for future park development in Magna.
