Salt Lake County voters Tuesday supported the immediate construction of 12 recreational facilities by approving a $50 million general obligation bond to finance them.
The bond will be paid back over the next nine years by the zoo, arts and parks (ZAP) tax that voters approved last year."I'm ecstatic," said Salt Lake County Commissioner Brent Overson. "I never believe in sure things, but I felt like this bond measure, more than any we've ever done, had an excellent chance of passing."
The bond will almost certainly not involve an additional tax increase, being funded by the ZAP tax already in place. No government in Utah has ever defaulted on a general obligation bond, but that didn't stop the Utah Taxpayers Association from warning that it is possible, if the bottom drops out of the economy, that taxes will go up to pay for the bond.
Nevertheless, association president Howard Stephenson said he cautiously supports the bond.
The bond will allow the recreational facilities to be constructed right away instead of one by one as the tax monies come in. Overson said that with the possible exception of the new Murray ice rink, all the facilities should be completed within 18 months.
"Everything's full speed ahead," he said. "We're in the process right now of selecting architects."
The County Commission has proposed the new Murray ice rink be built on the current county fairgrounds, 5177 S. State, which means the fairgrounds have to be moved before it can be built.
The county wants to move the fair into its South Jordan Equestrian Park, 10800 S. 2200 West - indeed, one of the 12 projects is a new arena that could be used for fair activities there - and South Jordan officials are hesitating somewhat because they don't want a carnival-type atmosphere in their town.
Nevertheless, Overson is optimistic that the move can be made. "I think we'll be able to work it out," he said.
The projects include: Southeast Recreation Center, 10600 S. 1000 East; West Jordan Recreation Center, 8000 S. 2200 West; Magna Recreation Center, 3250 S. 8400 West; Big Cottonwood swimming pool, 4500 S. 1500 East; Fairmont swimming pool, 2300 S. 900 East; West Valley swimming pool, 3100 S. 5600 West; Vista Park, 1959 W. 4900 South; Big Cottonwood Regional Park, 4300 S. 1300 East; South Cottonwood Regional Park, 6351 S. 900 East; Jordan River Parkway trail, several locations; Murray Ice Center, 5177 S. State; Equestrian Park indoor arena, 10800 S. 2200 West.
Only 12.5 percent of the county's registered voters went to the polls.