"Our biggest concern is we had not received the information to do the (cost) analysis that makes us feel comfortable," Beattie said, adding that some of that information is being provided now.

City officials say the bond would increase property taxes for Salt Lake City residents by $114 per year on a $200,000 home. Commercial property owners, however, would face a 7 percent increase of their overall property tax burden and a 30 percent increase on the city portion of the property tax bill, according to the chamber.

"These are significant increases," the statement reads, "and from a business perspective, we want to ensure that the bond will not hamper Salt Lake City's economic competitiveness. The magnitude of increase also calls for an even higher standard of public accountability, information and due diligence."

In a Deseret Morning News poll in September, 52 percent of Salt Lake City registered voters said they would vote for the public- safety bond. The poll, conducted by Dan Jones & Associates, indicated that 39 percent said they would vote it down, with 10 percent undecided. The poll had a 4.4 percent margin of error.

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E-mail: jpage@desnews.com