"While there is a great deal of political momentum behind the other proposal you are considering, I respectfully ask that you make your decision based on an objective assessment of both proposals, using an open, inclusive process that would lead to the best decision for the team and the taxpayers of Salt Lake County," Anderson wrote.

Anderson huddled with Curtis, Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, and several county leaders last week in an attempt to talk soccer as well as come up with possible funding options for a downtown cultural-arts district.

One idea tossed about was the possibility of raising the ZAP sales tax from 0.10 percent to 0.17 percent in order to fund a Broadway-style theater and other venues. But Curtis said he does not support raising the ZAP tax. He said that under Sandy's soccer-stadium plan, the county will have plenty of money to use on other projects.

"There is $60 million left for the county to spend. I'm not going to be (Anderson's) advocate," Curtis said of the Salt Lake City mayor's proposal to nearly double the ZAP sales tax.

Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan said he would not support increasing the ZAP tax if the funds were targeted solely for a downtown arts district. The other cities and unincorporated county areas need to have a share of the dollars before he would support it, he said. He noted that Sandy did not get any ZAP funds this year, "and yet we are the second-largest sales-tax producer in the county

The County Council is expected to debate soccer-stadium funding for about two hours today. Any plan needs at least five votes to pass, but a crucial sixth vote would keep the plan clear from a possible veto from Mayor Peter Corroon. With six votes, the Council could override a veto.

Corroon said Monday he supports soccer and wants to keep the team in Salt Lake County, but has not made his mind up about a possible veto.

Dolan is ready for some answers, and wants to get the stadium project started as soon as possible.

"I just want them to give us a yes or a no and move on," he said.

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Contributing: Amelia Nielson-Stowell

E-mail: ldethman@desnews.com