When I reviewed information on the candidates running for Park City Council, I was very disappointed to learn that several candidates are supporting approval of issuance of a general bond by the City of Park City to fund pickleball courts and other recreation activities. Not only is it unreasonable to issue a bond when interest rates are at the highest level of many years, it is also unreasonable to first look to the citizens of Park City to fund these expenditures when Utah law provides for Summit County to collect a special sales tax (the RAP or Arts and Parks Tax) which can be used to provide grants to fund construction and operation of recreation facilities operated by public/non-profit entities.
Much of the RAP Taxes collected are from tourist activities in Park City and have exceeded $2 million dollars in earlier years. Since none of the candidate bios explained why a bond to be paid by Park City citizens with interest is preferable to the RAP Tax funds collected and available for grants, I think voters should seriously consider this issue when voting for candidates for Park City Council.
Shana Overton
Park City