“This was probably in my recollection the easiest budget collectively that we were able to do,” said Councilman Michael Jensen, who quickly credited soaring sales tax for the balance sheet, which once again, does not include a property tax hike.

There was no public comment on the budget, which Mayor Peter Corroon praised for its focus on alternatives to incarceration and two new jobs: an emergency coordinator and environmental boss.

He took issue with the council's decision to add fire stations in Millcreek Township and Magna - “Salt Lake County is not in the fire business anymore,” he said - but said since the process was so smooth he is unlikely to issue a veto.

“I don't know if I'm ready to rock the boat.”

But the county may be steering straight toward an iceberg, warned Councilman Randy Horiuchi. He insists state lawmakers are poised to punish the county for its contentious role in this year's Major League Soccer stadium saga with Real Salt Lake.

“The specter of the Legislature taking revenue streams away from us . . . could be the ruination of this government,” he said.

Horiuchi predicted the county could lose millions if the state grants cities the right to keep restaurant tax and possibly some hotel tax as a reprisal. “We may be here a year from now shaking our heads and saying, 'What happened?' ”

At stake: the county's ability to fund - and run - its recreation and cultural operation.

“We'll be handing over the keys to our facilities,” Horiuchi lamented.

For now, they are in good shape considering taxpayers just approved a $65 million bond for Zoo, Arts and Parks projects.

Councilman Joe Hatch credited a new subcommittee system for the kinder, gentler budget affair, which Councilwoman Jenny Wilson says she is “very proud of.”

She pointed to the county's push toward treatment centers over jail as a major stride. Other budget steps: a new immunization program for kids, a new recycling venture for all residents in the sanitation district, and more resources to help plan the county's burgeoning west bench.

The council also green-lighted more pay for rank-and-file deputies, money for a research-style job park, extra cash for its equestrian park and the purchase of the Woodbury Building adjacent to Capitol Theatre to house the ballet.

djensen@sltrib.com

S.L. County's 2007 budget

* Bolsters recycling and immunizations through new programs

* Pushes alternatives to incarceration over jail

* Enhances fire protection on the east and west side

* Plants seed money for high-tech jobs

* Adds coordinators for emergency management and the environment.