From Deseret News archives:
Davis OKs vote on sales-tax hike
The .25 percent tax increase, if passed in November, would provide money to be used for various transportation projects in Davis County, although a prioritized list of projects has yet to be drawn up. The list would be created if voters pass the increase.
Commissioner Bret Millburn called it "an opportunity for the residents to do their own prioritization."
Similar measures are expected in Weber and Box Elder counties in coming weeks.
It would be Davis County's third .25 percent increase for transportation since the Utah Legislature began allowing counties to raise transportation money with sales-tax revenue. The .25 percent increase would yield $10 million to $12 million a year, said Steve Rawlings, Davis County clerk/auditor.
During Tuesday's commission meeting, commissioners heard from representatives from the Davis Chamber of Commerce, Davis County Council of Governments and Wasatch Front Regional Council, all urging commissioners to put the tax increase to the people for a vote.
"The good news, of course, is that Davis County is booming," said John Pitt, president and chief executive officer of the Davis Chamber. "But it brings gridlock."
Pitt said a better transportation system would allow commerce to flow more easily and help attract more businesses to Davis County.
At least one-fourth of the .25 percent tax increase would have to be used for corridor preservation, according to state law. Corridor preservation means purchasing the right-of-way for future road building.
Through 2030, there are about $2 billion worth of projects needed in Davis County, said Chuck Chappell, Wasatch Front Regional Council's executive director.
West Point Mayor John Petroff, who serves as the regional council's chairman, supports the ballot measure and told commissioners he also supported their imposition of a $10 fee for each vehicle registered in Davis County, money that will be used for corridor preservation.
E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com
