Our Election Day recommendations

There is never a good time to raise taxes. But it is also true that the capital needs of local governments are ongoing. Public safety workers need facilities that support their ability to serve and protect their communities. School construction is needed to accommodate Utah's growing population of schoolchildren, better utilize technology and conserve energy.

Even as the national economy sputters, it is a good time to undertake construction because costs are low and construction companies are eager to work. Lending rates are favorable, too, thanks to the state's AAA bond rating. Given these factors, we support three local bond issues that voters in Salt Lake and Davis counties will consider on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Here's a recap of our previously stated positions:

Proposition 1, Public Safety Facilities

Simply put, Salt Lake City's existing public safety building — a 1950s-era structure at 315 E. 200 South — is out of date, too small and literally coming apart at the seams. Utah Taxpayers Association president Howard Stephenson, in announcing the organization's support of the bond issue, described the building as "an embarrassment to our community." It is. Voters will be asked to support a $125 million bond to construct and equip a new public safety administration building and a separate communications/emergency operations center. A final location for the complex has not yet been determined.

The bond would require a property tax increase of $75 for a home valued at $261,000. This is a considerable increase, but public safety is an essential city service. This investment in the city's police, fire and emergency response needs will serve Utah's capital city for decades to come.

Granite School District Bond

For many years, the Granite School District has been a model of restraint, taking a "pay-as-we-go" approach to school construction and capital needs. The strategy made sense until the economic downturn, when construction costs plummeted and interest rates dropped. The district's financial adviser then recommended that the district borrow $256 million to construct new schools and improve existing buildings. The school board will use the $17 million it sets aside each year for capital needs to retire the bond debt. That means there will be no increase in property taxes.

As the issue appears on the ballot, it appears that voters will be paying higher taxes to rebuild Olympus and Granger high schools and two elementary schools. The bond also would rebuild a school for students with special needs. Granite District also plans to air-condition 51 schools that are too hot at the start of the school year.