Sales tax hike backed for TRAX

The Salt Lake County Council on Tuesday urged the Legislature to yank an $895 million property tax hike for TRAX expansion from the November ballot.

The council passed a resolution supporting a proposed special session and vote by state lawmakers that would put a 0.25 percent sales tax increase on the ballot to fund four new light-rail lines as well as commuter rail throughout the county.

All along the council didn't want to use property taxes for TRAX expansion, but something had to be done to finance the transit expansion, Councilman Joe Hatch said. Once Salt Lake County and Utah County leaders put transit initiatives on the ballot, state leaders started talking about other options, like the sales tax. <

"We were one part of the equation and a significant part if that," Hatch said. "I don't think the special session would have occurred but for the action we've taken."