The County Council unanimously requested Tuesday that the District Attorney's Office draft ballot language asking voters to reauthorize ZAP, which ends in 2006 unless renewed. In mid-July, the council plans to formally add the issue to the fall ballot.

ZAP, a one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax, has reaped more than $103 million since its inception in 1996 and has garnered overwhelming public support by pumping money into popular recreational and cultural amenities.

Putting it on the ballot is the "biggest no-brainer we've got," Councilman Michael Jensen said.

At a time when the county is rocked with scandal and partisan battles, Deputy Mayor Alan Dayton said ZAP is one issue that unites all sides.

"There is absolutely no partisanship division [on ZAP]," Dayton said. "Everyone is unanimous in support."

Chances are the tax will pass again. More than 75 percent of registered voters in a Salt Lake Tribune poll earlier this month said they would vote to renew the tax. And that's before the program's proponents have spent virtually any of the $200,000 they have ready to prop up support.

ZAP has funded the construction of 12 recreation facilities and areas and has boosted arts programs, from small groups to the Utah Symphony and Opera, while also bolstering Hogle Zoo and Tracy Aviary.

Some private fitness center owners have objected to using the tax to create exercise facilities that compete with their businesses. And the Utah Taxpayers Association opposes the tax, saying that all tax money should be placed into one large fund and divvied according to need.

tburr@sltrib.com