The 2007 spending plan - Utah's largest after the state, at more than $800 million - is set for tentative approval tonight and continues the county's recent run of not boosting property taxes.

With the economy humming, the budget proposes to fund quality-of-life initiatives, including more law enforcement, easier recycling, an immunization program and open-space protection. The plan does not threaten to gut any current county service.

"It was a fairly smooth process," said Dave Delquadro, fiscal analyst for the County Council. "It was greased to a certain point because the [sales tax] revenue stream helped us get over several humps."

Much of the spending is geared toward long-term objectives, Delquadro added. "There was a visionary aspect to this."

Indeed, Corroon and the council committed to look forward, pooling cash to help plan growth along the swath of west bench that stretches to the Oquirrh Mountains. They also agreed to name a new environmental coordinator and an emergency-planning director.

In addition, money exists for fire stations in Magna and Millcreek Township, a yet-to-be-located technology park to net high-tech jobs, and new recycling cans for every resident in the county's sanitation district.

Other budget winners are recreation centers; rank-and-file sheriff's deputies; an after-school program in Kearns; and the arts, which will gain a new home for the ballet, thanks to a $3.6 million purchase of the Woodbury Building, adjacent to Capitol Theatre.

"I have heard no one saying anything negative about [the budget]," said Councilman Joe Hatch, who said the bickering that has become standard the past six years was largely absent. "I didn't see that at all, which is a testament to the quality of the budget."

A push for more touch-screen voting machines was rejected, as was a seemingly annual request to reopen Oxbow Jail.

County Council also resisted a call to open two jail units and opted instead to concentrate on alternatives to incarceration.

djensen@sltrib.com

Budget hearings

* Salt Lake County: Residents are invited to weigh in on an $800-million-plus budget today at 6 p.m. at the County Government Center, 2001 S. State St. County Council is expected to tentatively approve the 2007 spending plan during the meeting in the first-floor council chamber of the North Building.

* Utah County: The County Commission will accept public comment on a proposed

$73.8 million budget today at 9 a.m. in Room 1400 of the Utah County Administration Building, 100 E. Center St., Provo. Commissioners are expected to adopt the 2007 spending plan and consider a change in salaries for county officers.

* Weber County: The County Commission will have a public hearing on its proposed

$53 million budget today at 6 p.m. in the commission chambers, 2380 Washington Blvd., Ogden. The commission expects to adopt its 2007 budget Dec. 12.