The county's budget has swelled. But what the Democrat didn't note in a fund-raising letter to his supporters was how and why.

Corroon is using "a simple approach for political purposes," said county Chief Administrative Officer David Marshall, an appointee of the Republican mayor. "The taxpayers didn't get stuck with a huge increase to pay for $140 million more."

Workman and the County Council have initiated no property-tax increases during the mayor's term. In fact, Workman slashed by half a tax hike that had been approved for unincorporated areas in 2000 by the now-defunct County Commission.

The increase in the county's budget - from $605 million in 2000 to $743 million in 2004 - is a result of several factors, including residential and business growth, a voter-approved $15 million bond for The Children's Museum of Utah and a new city-financed fire station in Draper.

In some cases, the budget boost is driven by revenue, such as federal grants and soaring ticket sales at the Clark Planetarium. Marshall's point is supported by the auditor's office, which is separate from the mayor.

The goal of the County Council and mayor has been to "control expenditure growth in the county," Budget Director Lance Brown said. "Overall, they've done a good job."

For his part, Corroon said his letter's point is that the mayor's administration "paints a picture that it is reducing spending and being fiscally prudent.

"The county budget has increased significantly, and it is more important than ever to make sure that there are procedures in place to prevent theft and mismanagement," Corroon said.

"I certainly support money being used for worthy programs for the public benefit. However, I do not support sloppy government procedures, stealing, nepotism, cronyism or waste of taxpayer money for fancy cars, free tickets to events, high-priced office remodels or other unnecessary luxuries for government officials."

Corroon's July 15 letter - seeking contributions and support - rattles off what he terms as "scandal after scandal." He referenced the vehicle-abuse debacle and the criminal investigation of Workman for using Health Department funds to hire an accountant for the private, nonprofit South Valley Boys and Girls Club. Workman's daughter is the club's chief financial officer.

The mayor's campaign manager, Chris Bleak, said Corroon's letter is filled with inaccuracies.

"He's trying to tie rhetoric, innuendo to fact," Bleak said. "The premise here is seriously flawed."

tburr@sltrib.com