A brand new gross sales tax can be on November ballots for Wasatch County voters.
The RAP Tax is a neighborhood gross sales tax that might generate cash that Heber Metropolis, Halfway and the county might use for recreation, arts and parks.
It’ll solely go into impact if Wasatch County voters vote in favor of it within the November 2 municipal election.
The brand new tax would add 1/10 of 1% to the present gross sales tax charge for the subsequent 10 years. It might apply to all procuring, besides most groceries.
The county estimates it could generate $800,000 in its first 12 months and extra in years to return. It additionally estimates as a lot as half of that might be from guests to the county.
“We’ve got not gotten forward of the general public by actually introducing what the RAP Tax would do and the way the cash can be spent, and I nonetheless don’t suppose we now have excellent solutions from a county-wide perspective,” Councilwoman Rachel Kahler stated at a metropolis council assembly final week. “From the town, I feel we now have plan transferring ahead, however I’m actually fearful that this primary try and go the RAP Tax will go away extra questions than solutions.”
Town has outlined a parks grasp plan, which is on the web site for its basic plan, envisionheber.com.
As described within the parks plan, the estimated $800,000 can be for brand spanking new trails, parks and humanities packages, in addition to enhancements to current amenities.
The plan says there’s area in future growth plans for seven new parks or expansions, including as much as 45 complete acres. Town’s purpose is to develop not less than 19 of these acres into functioning parks by 2030.
One other push is to fill gaps within the present path system.
In a video in regards to the tax, County Councilman Mark Nelson describes how it could profit arts initiatives county-wide. It might fund grant packages for visible, performing and literary arts, in addition to arts training.
On the council assembly, Heber Metropolis Supervisor Matt Brower introduced a draft interlocal settlement between the 2 cities and the county.
The settlement can be to pool all of the tax cash from buyers anyplace within the county and distribute it to the cities and county primarily based on populations. Heber Metropolis would get half, the county would get 35%, and Halfway would get 15%.
As soon as they obtain funds, they might have three years to make use of or obligate them. Obligating the cash means setting it apart for a specified mission plan.
The interlocal settlement additionally specifies that the three entities would comply with state code in utilizing the funds on native recreation, arts and parks.
One other provision would permit the cities and county to share or lend their revenues with one another in the event that they select.
Wasatch County voters are anticipated to obtain mailed ballots this week.
The subsequent Heber Metropolis Council assembly is scheduled for Tuesday, October 19.
