Three local tax questions on Utah's Nov. 3 ballot, explained

Ballots for Nov. 3 are out, and three local measures ask voters in different corners of Utah to pay more for public services (they are not the only ones; Salt Lake County voters also decide a $128 million parks bond): a bond for recreation buildings in the Snyderville Basin, a sales tax for ambulance and emergency medical service in San Juan County, and a sales tax for fire and emergency services in Washington City. They are unrelated, but they work the same way. Nothing is spent unless a majority says yes, and what each would cost depends on how the money is raised. ^{[1][2][4][5][6]}

The Basin Recreation bond

Voters in the Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District are deciding whether the district can issue up to $71 million in general obligation bonds, repaid over no more than 20 years. A yes vote authorizes the bonds, a no vote does not, and the measure does not approve final architectural plans, TownLift reported. Summit County's election notice says the bonds would be secured by property taxes levied on residents of the district and could be issued in one or more series. The County Council, acting as the district's governing body, called the election on Aug. 19. ^[1][4]

The district says the money would pay for two buildings. One is a roughly 68,000-square-foot facility at Silver Creek Village with aquatics, climbing, child care, a gymnasium and an indoor track. The other is a roughly 20,000-square-foot facility at East Canyon with an indoor court and community space. ^[1]

The district estimates the bonds would cost about $120.94 a year on a primary residence valued at $1 million, and about $21.09 a year per $100,000 of value for businesses. Actual taxes depend on property values and the final bond terms. ^[1]

The measure is smaller than the version first discussed. In June the district was studying facilities totaling as much as 184,000 square feet, and in July it considered a bond of up to $150 million. After residents and Summit County Council members raised concerns about cost and size at an Aug. 5 discussion, the Basin Recreation board recommended the $71 million figure on Aug. 13, and the council authorized the election Aug. 19. A district survey of 1,414 people found 61% had avoided The Fieldhouse because of crowding. ^[1]

San Juan County's Proposition 7

San Juan County voters are deciding Proposition 7, a 1% sales tax to fund emergency medical and ambulance services. The county's proposed ballot wording cites Utah Code 59-12-802 and says the money would go to the "funding, operation, maintenance, equipment, staffing, capital improvements, and enhancement" of EMS and ambulance services, with non-prepared food, fuel and prescription medications excluded. If approved, it would take effect in 2027, FOX 13 reported. ^[2][5]

The tax is estimated to raise just over $1 million a year, and voters would have to decide every 10 years whether to renew it. Groceries and other non-prepared food, fuel and prescription medications would be exempt. County leaders expect tourists to pay much of it through hotel stays, restaurant meals and other purchases. Commissioner Lori Maughan said at a public hearing that the money would go toward funding, operation, maintenance and equipment for emergency medical and ambulance services. ^[2]

County EMS Director Jeremy Hoggard said San Juan County, Utah's largest by area at roughly 7,800 square miles, stretches resources thin, with calls rising from Monticello to Mexican Hat. He said the county has struggled to keep first responders, who are mostly volunteers, and needs full-time staff and replacement equipment. After flash flooding last week stranded dozens of Moab 240 trail race runners for up to 12 hours, Hoggard said crews evacuated 70 to 100 people. ^[2]

No one spoke for or against the measure at a special hearing in Monticello. In interviews there, Zeke Dalton said he opposed it, saying government does not need a tax increase, while Marti Brewer said a small tax may be needed to meet the area's EMS needs. ^[2]

Washington City's Proposition 5

Washington City voters are deciding Proposition 5, an additional 0.67% Emergency Services Sales and Use Tax that would bring the city's rate for this purpose to 1.0%, according to BallotReady's listing of the ballot text. The money would go to fire protection, ambulance service and emergency medical response. The City Council has said it intends to cut the city's portion of property taxes by 50% if the tax passes, subject to truth-in-taxation requirements. ^[6]

FOX 13 reported that Washington City already passed a 0.33% tax, which this measure would raise to a full 1%. Council Member Kurt Ivie said the goal is for visitors to pay for the emergency services they use, and officials pointed to about 1.3 million visitors a year to Snow Canyon and Gunlock state parks. Resident Kim Barry said she doesn't think taxes need to go up for anyone. FOX 13 said the property tax cut would save homeowners a few hundred dollars a year; that is the city's description, not a certified figure. ^[7]

What is not on the ballot

A third local tax proposal this month is not a ballot question. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson has recommended a 13.53% property tax increase that would take effect in 2027 if the County Council approves it. For an average home valued at about $658,000 it would add roughly $70 a year, and it would raise about $39.5 million annually to cover debt service on a proposed $575 million lease revenue bond for Metro Jail renovation. The council will hold a truth-in-taxation hearing and make its final budget decision Dec. 8, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. Voters do not decide it directly. ^[3]

How to read the measures

A yes vote on any of the measures grants authority and a no vote withholds it. Costs quoted above are the district's and the county's estimates as reported, not certified tax bills, and the Basin Recreation figures apply to a primary residence valued at $1 million. Readers can find the exact ballot language in their county voter information materials. ^{[1][2][4][5][6]}