On a case-by-case basis, council members could devote some of the PAR revenue for nonprofit cultural arts groups' events. For example, Roberts said, if the Utah Symphony wanted to offer a performance in Tooele, PAR money could help make it a reality.

Roberts said he expects to see support for the PAR tax in Tooele, especially among new residents with young families.

"We've done some good things with the limited funds we have as far as picnic tables and bringing in new playground equipment," he said.

Roberts hopes residents will see that and support the PAR tax, trusting city officials to manage it well.

But Mike Jerman, vice president of the Utah Taxpayers Association, said his group opposes all arts-and-recreation taxes, including Tooele's proposed PAR tax and proposals in Davis and Weber counties. The association fought against Utah County's PAR tax last year.

Jerman said sales taxes are inherently regressive — in other words, the less you earn, the higher your tax rate.

But Roberts said Tooele hopes to share enough information with residents that they will be comfortable with raising their sales tax.

Two public information meetings are planned at Tooele City Hall, 90 N. Main St., on Oct. 14 and Oct. 26. Both meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m.

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com