This November, Wasatch County residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on a ballot initiative called Proposition 9. We know how vital information is in the decision-making process, so we wanted to provide our chamber members with additional details about Prop 9 and what it means for the community. 

Proposition 9 simply asks if the county should impose a half-percent sales tax on non-essential goods and services for the purpose of funding emergency medical services. If passed, this funding will be used to build and staff additional fire stations throughout the county. Increased first responder services will positively impact our community's health and safety. Added fire stations and personnel will improve response times to fires and medical emergencies, protecting property and saving lives.

What does the increased sales tax look like for Wasatch County residents and business owners? Currently, all EMS services are paid by property taxes from valley residents and business owners. By using sales tax to generate funds for EMS, the responsibility to pay for these services shifts to everyone who buys any taxable good or service in Wasatch County, including visitors.  Recent studies have shown about 46 percent of all sales tax is generated by visitor spending. Visitors from outside the county, who require EMS services occasionally, will help shoulder the costs if Proposition 9 passes.  Please review the chart below to see how this potential sales tax increase would compare to other tax rates in surrounding areas.

We want to help inform the business community of these changes so you can be prepared to collect and remit the correct taxes. Please be aware of any changes as they happen so you are not caught off guard. Please pay close attention to the election results and contact your accountant or the Utah State Tax Commission if you have questions about any changes.

The decision to approve Proposition 9 is up to you. We just wanted you to have as much factual information as possible. Additional information is available in the Proposition 9 flyer.