With voters approving April's special bond election, and with no one showing up to voice opposition, Utah County commissioners said they had no problem Monday adopting the 1 percent "restaurant tax."
Legislation passed in the 1991 Legislature gives counties the option of imposing a 1 percent tax on prepared foods. The money received from the tax is to be used to support tourism, cultural and recreational activities and facilities.In April, voters approved bonding for $7.7 million to help fund construction of a special events center at Utah Valley Community College. Commissioners said they plan to repay the bond with proceeds received from the tax.
With Monday's action, county restaurants will start collecting the tax Oct. 1. Utah County joins Salt Lake, Cache, Washington and Uintah counties as those who have imposed the tax. The tax is estimated to bring the county about $750,000 annually.
During public hearings prior to April's bond election, several restaurant owners complained that the tax is unfair because it does not apply to convenience stores and grocery store snack bars.
Commissioner Malcolm Beck said Monday that commissioners feel the same and will support any amendment to the legislation to include convenience stores and snack bars.