Salt Lake County budget outlook 'encouraging,' Mayor Peter Corroon says

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County government has weathered the recession well and should benefit from an improving economy, Mayor Peter Corroon said Tuesday.

"I can stand before you today and confidently say that our county government is doing very well," Corroon said in the annual State of the County address. "While some others may be struggling, our budgets are structurally balanced for 2011, and looking good for 2012 as well."

Corroon said new economic projections are "encouraging" but the county's approach for the coming year will remain one of caution.

"Projections for 2011 anticipate that employment will be up 0.8 percent statewide, that residential construction will be up 6 percent in Salt Lake County, and that taxable sales will be up 3.5 percent in the county," he said.

However, the county won't just maintain the status quo, Corroon said, noting the expanding population of the Salt Lake Valley, which is now at 1,053,000 and is expected to grow by another 200,000 people over the next 10 years.

Unlike Corroon's previous addresses, he did not single out a county employee who had gone above and beyond to serve taxpayers.

"To recognize the efforts of one employee would not do justice to the amazing dedication of each and every one of our employees. … I'm grateful to have employees that truly care so much about their mission and the work they do."

Corroon, who ran for governor as a Democrat in 2010, said he has held the Salt Lake County mayor's office for six years and will serve out his current term.

"I'm excited to see what new things we can accomplish in these next two years. I invite everyone here to join me in making Salt Lake County the very best local government in our country."

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