The Lehi City Council has approved allocations totaling more than $860,000 in PARC tax revenue to support local nonprofit organizations. Following months of debate, council members Freeman, Harrison, Newall, and Stallings voted in favor of the proposal, while Council member Lockhart cast the lone dissenting vote.
The approved funding will utilize the PARC tax reserve funds to cover a shortfall relative to annual collections. The council voted to spend $861,997 on nonprofits, drawing from a $570,000 PARC tax surplus.
The funding is intended to support several of the city's largest nonprofits that did not receive financial support through the city's general budget this year. Recipients include the Hutchings Museum, Lehi Area Music Association, Lelev Historical Society and Archives, and the Thanksgiving Point Institute.
Council member Lockhart expressed concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of using reserve money for continued support. She stated that her concern is not against arts and culture, but rather the potential for using funds that may not be available in future years. Lockhart noted that some entities receiving significant portions of the tax are not self-sufficient and suggested that one entity receives 35.9 percent of the PARC tax.
Council member Harrison acknowledged these sustainability concerns but stated his belief that immediate support for these organizations is necessary, noting that the organizations may understand that future funding could decrease.
Council member Stallings voted in favor of the resolution, stating that the funding helps keep local cultural organizations running without needing contributions from the general fund. She noted that this approach saves almost half a million dollars in the city budget.
However, Stallings also expressed reservations regarding whether some funded organizations meet state definitions of culture. During an April work session, she pointed out that certain nonprofits receiving funds may not fit requirements outlined in state code. The council has tabled discussions regarding these statutory requirements until a later date.
