POLITICS + GOVERNMENT
Special Session Will Tackle Salt Lake City Inland Port Compromise
Jul 18, 2018, 6:00 AM | Updated: 10:34 am
News conference on Monday
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Utah lawmakers meeting on an interim day Wednesday will also be in a special session, called by the governor on Monday.
The governor, legislative leaders, and Salt Lake City Council announced recommended changes Monday to the controversial inland port planned for the Northwest quadrant of Salt Lake City.
Some of the criticisms included the fact that all the revenue would go to the state. Magna, Salt Lake City, and West Valley City will be compensated for their public services and utilities used by the port. 10 percent of the property tax increment will go to affordable housing.
“This is significant,” said council chair Erin Mendenhall.
The boundaries also changed in the draft bill, taking out 4,000 acres of wetland. Land use and board makeup are also addressed.
As for taxes, legislative leaders said some things needed to be clarified after Federal tax reform took effect, and the US Supreme Court ruled on online sales tax collection.
Some believe it will feel like a new tax when shopping online, but legislative leaders say it’s not.
“There will be a higher compliance rate, as some businesses start collecting it. because it’s up to the individual taxpayer to calculate and remit it to the state. this will just save them a step now,” said Rep. Steve Eliason, the co-chair of the Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee.
The interim meetings are in the morning, with the special session in the afternoon.
