Salt Lake County Council OK's museum bond referendum

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County Council gave the green light Tuesday to put a $15 million bond referendum on the November 2010 election ballot for the Utah Museum of Natural History's construction project.

The Museum will be relocating from its current home on the University of Utah campus to 301 Wakara Way, in Research Park.

"I'm honored the council feels highly of the project," museum director Sarah George said after the vote. She added she understands these are tough times but is hopeful the voters will support the project.

The council voted unanimously to go forward with the bond election. It would mean an annual property tax increase of $2.40 for 15 years on the average home of $265,000.

"It's appropriate to let the voters decide on this," said council chairman Joe Hatch.

— Amy K. Stewart