Blanding voters decide Nov. 3 whether to renew a 0.1% parks and recreation sales tax

Blanding voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to reauthorize a local sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent to pay for parks and recreation. The city's notice of election lists the measure as City of Blanding Proposal #1, a proposal to provide continued public funding for parks and recreational facilities. ^[1]

According to the city's impartial analysis, the tax is the existing 0.1 percent levy, known as a ZAP or RAP tax, which Blanding voters first approved in 2007. Under Utah law the tax runs for ten years and must be put back before voters at the end of each period. The rate is one cent on every $10 spent on qualifying purchases within city limits. ^[2]

Revenue must be used only for publicly owned or operated recreational facilities. In Blanding, the analysis says, that means maintaining, operating and developing facilities such as parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pools and trail systems. ^[2]

A yes vote continues the tax for ten years, through 2036 unless voters reauthorize it again. A no vote would let the city's authority to levy the tax expire, lowering Blanding's sales tax rate by 0.1 percentage point and ending the dedicated funding. The city's statement under Utah Code 59-1-1602 says approval is not a tax rate increase, because the rate stays the same. ^[2]

The City Council held a public hearing on the proposition at 6:50 p.m. on Oct. 13. According to the minutes in the council's Oct. 27 packet, no one from the public came forward to speak. ^[3]

Election Day polling is at the Blanding Library, 25 West 300 South, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. The city's notice listed in-person early voting on Oct. 23 and Oct. 30 and a library drop box through 5 p.m. on Oct. 30, both of which have closed. Voters with questions can call the San Juan County Clerk's Office at 435-587-3223, extension 4. ^[1]