It runs two large convention centers - the Salt Palace and the South Towne Exposition Center - as well as the area's largest arts facilities, including Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Abravanel Hall and Capitol Theatre. It provides funds - through the Zoo, Arts and Parks tax - to scores of cultural groups and attractions, from the Utah Symphony & Opera to the Draper Historic Theatre.
County operations, for example, include health services, flood control, a justice court and senior centers. Cities contract with the county for police protection and garbage pickup, and the county has control over collecting and distributing tax money to the cities.
The mayor's job
In 2001, a full-time county mayor and a nine-member council replaced the three-member County Commission.
The county mayor heads the second-largest government in Utah, after the state. The mayor controls daily county operations, excluding those functions that fall under other elected officials, such as the sheriff. The mayor oversees thousands of employees, nearly 30 divisions, has veto power and serves as the go-between with other governments.
The mayor also:
* Directs and manages most county operations, including public works, human services and community services departments.
* Appoints office staffers, including a deputy mayor, as well as department heads.
* Oversees programs and policies approved by the County Council.
* Controls county assets, funds and properties.
* Appoints, with council consent, county board members.
* Prepares a budget.
* Negotiates and executes county contracts.
* Considers and adopts long-range planning issues.
* Acts as intergovernmental relations liaison.
- Thomas Burr
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