SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson unveiled her budget on Tuesday, proposing a property tax increase to keep up with inflationary pressures and spending more money on criminal justice measures.
"It’s no secret that state, city, and county governments — along with residents — are facing rising costs. It’s been six years since Salt Lake County last increased property taxes," Mayor Wilson said, announcing a 19.63% property tax increase that she called "necessary."
The mayor said it equated to about $7.28 per month on the median priced home.
"I fully acknowledge that the proposed increase places an additional burden on individuals and families already working hard to make ends meet. But the County is at a point where we have no responsible alternative. For years, Salt Lake County has absorbed rising costs — including health care, utilities, technology, staff compensation, and infrastructure — without raising taxes," she said.
Inflation was a central theme of the $2 billion budget presentation to the Salt Lake County Council. With food costs going up, it was pointed out that Salt Lake County runs two of the largest kitchens in Utah — Meals on Wheels and the 2,500-bed county jail.
"We have choices. One is cut programs, the other is raise taxes and we were very, very deliberate going through each fund to determine where we could make some cuts. And we did," she told FOX 13 News. "But when you look at the demands on government, the growth, our population growth. People love our rec centers. We don’t want to close one. I can’t imagine closing a senior center."
County council members said they would look closely at the proposed tax increase, which already has a Truth-in-Taxation hearing scheduled for December.
"I'm not saying if I’m for or against this at this moment," Council Chair Dea Theodore told FOX 13 News. "Because a lot can change when you receive a proposed budget versus what’s actually adopted."
Council member Jiro Johnson acknowledged some may not be thrilled with it.
"The $87 per year we’re asking for the average household, that’s not nothing," he said. "I don’t want to diminish that. We’re hoping the things we provide as a county makes up for that increase."
In a post on the social media site Threads, Herriman Mayor Lorin Palmer urged more cuts before a tax hike.
View on Threads
Mayor Wilson called for more spending on public safety and criminal justice measures. Criminal cases are up, the jail and court systems are facing pressures and demand for resources continues to go up. She said her proposed budget provides those resources.
"For the taxpayer, I think it's a good investment," said Rich Mauro, a criminal defense attorney. "Jail is the most expensive investment we can make. If we can reduce recidivism, it’s a win for everybody."
Voters rejected a proposed bond last year for modernizing the jail. Mayor Wilson told FOX 13 News they were still trying to figure out next steps for that.
"We still need capital investment in our jail so we’re looking at that right now," she said.
Mayor Wilson also said she wanted to invest in elections so voters can continue to have confidence in them.
"In an era when elections are under increased scrutiny, we are investing in the staff, equipment, and systems needed to guarantee that every eligible voter can cast their ballot safely and with confidence," she told the council.
The mayor also mentioned spending on parks, flood control measures, and a small pay raise for county employees. On transforming a portion of the Salt Palace into the downtown sports, arts and entertainment district with Utah Mammoth and Utah Jazz owners Smith Entertainment Group, Mayor Wilson said it was moving ahead.
"This public-private collaboration will transform the area between City Creek Center and the Delta Center, making it more walkable and vibrant. It will be ready in time to welcome the world again for the Olympic Winter Games of 2034," she said.
