Photo: Ravell Call, Deseret News (Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskuspski releases her annual budget proposal in Salt Lake City on Monday, April 30, 2018.)
SALT LAKE CITY — A proposed budget from Salt Lake City’s mayor includes a sales tax hike that would bring $25 million to local projects. If approved, the hike would increase the local sales tax an extra five cents for every $10 spent.
“The Funding our Future proposal recognizes the values of our residents and is an opportunity for the Capital City to control its own destiny,” said Mayor Biskupski in a statement on Monday. “The funding option addresses the issues of affordable housing, transit, neighborhood safety, street repairs and clean air.”
Specifically, her budget devotes $7.1 million to streets and infrastructure projects, $5.9 million for public safety – including $2.2 million to hire 27 more police officers – another $4.1 million for affordable housing, and $5.3 million toward a public transit plan.
This isn’t the first time we’re hearing about this tax proposal. Biskupski announced the idea back in January during her state of the city speech.
“Now is the time to fully invest in the future of our city,” She told the crowd, after explaining that it was time for visitors to the city to help pay for infrastructure. “These funding options create a unique opportunity to fully implement these plans.”
The City Council is tentatively scheduled to vote on the proposal Tuesday.