The Alta Canyon Sports Center's board of directors will brave anti-tax sentiment and put a $3.5 million bond issue before voters again.
But they'll wait until after the first of the year, when Sandy's bonded indebtedness falls below a $10 million ceiling that will keep the bonds tax deductible.Voters last fall defeated the bond issue, which would not have raised taxes but would have extended its average property-tax levy of $75 per household another 12 years until 2008.
Boosters said it would have passed, if they'd done a better job of educating the public and if an election-day snafu hadn't allowed some ineligible voters to cast ballots. The center is funded largely by property taxes from the Alta Canyon Recreational District, which roughly encompasses the southeast quadrant of Sandy. During last year's vote, some residents from outside the district cast ballots, but authorities later determined their participation would not have affected the outcome.
Nancy Shea, executive director of the popular center, said the district will mount a better campaign next time around.
"We will make sure the people not allowed to vote don't vote, and we will try to inform the people of the needs and that it is an extension and not an increase in their current taxes," Shea said.
She said the vote will probably occur in February 1994.
Center directors decided to postpone it until after Jan. 1 because Sandy - until that date - will have bonded indebtedness close to $10 million. A municipality like Sandy can issue tax-deductible bonds for up to that amount. Bonds that extend debt beyond that ceiling are not tax deductible; therefore, they're more costly and not as attractive to investors.
Shea said the center, with about 2,500 members, says it needs the $3.5 million to keep up with growing demand by building a gymnasium, an indoor swimming pool, an indoor jogging track and classrooms.
In addition to property-tax revenues, the center is supported by membership fees. Households pay $120 annually for a family membership.