On Tuesday, commissioners voted to place a proposed recreation, arts and parks (RAP) tax on the ballot. It will join a countywide revote on fluoridated water.

"This is not an endorsement," Commission Chairman Dannie McConkie cautioned cultural leaders at Tuesday's meeting. "We are supportive of your efforts so far, and we're giving you the chance to make your case to the people."

If that sounds like a tepid review of the arts and city recreation groups' plans to bolster entertainment venues, trails and parks across the county, it is because commissioners are still finalizing plans to also ask voters Nov. 2 for a bond to build a bigger jail.

"They [the arts groups] deserve a chance," McConkie said, noting that the jail is still a priority.

Tax watchdogs remain critical of Davis officials after last year's bid to raises taxes by 138 percent to pay for the jail. In the end, commissioners punted on the jail issue and settled for a more modest 24 percent boost in the county's share of property taxes.

"This just seems like an extravagance when they've got serious transportation, school and public safety needs," said Mike Jerman of the Utah Taxpayers Association.

The commission's decision to put RAP on the fall ballot came on the same day residents in five south Davis cities voted on a proposed $18 million bond to upgrade the Bountiful Recreation Center.

If RAP passes, the one-tenth of 1 percent increase in sales taxes would generate an estimated $3.2 million a year. Officials have proposed splitting the money, with 55 percent going to the 15 Davis County cities to fund recreation and parks projects and 45 percent spread among county arts groups.

Proponents paint a picture of interconnecting trails crisscrossing the county along with cultural and performing arts facilities providing year-round entertainment.

"It's 10 cents out of every $100," said Layton resident Julie Kenley, who helped establish an outdoor amphitheater in Layton named for her husband, car dealer Ed Kenley. "And it's a sales tax, so people with a lot of dispensable income will be footing most of the bill."

lorib@sltrib.com