A new poll commissioned by The Salt Lake Tribune shows the Zoo, Arts and Parks tax - which has pumped millions into Salt Lake County recreational facilities and cultural attractions since it passed eight years ago - will easily be renewed Nov. 2.
More than 68 percent of registered voters say they will vote to continue ZAP for another 10 years, according to a countywide survey conducted this week by Valley Research. About 21 percent oppose renewal, while 9 percent are undecided. The margin of error was 4.9 percent.
In a June poll for The Tribune, ZAP's support was 75 percent.
Despite the dip, the latest survey shows the "strong feelings the public has for a strong program," says Carter Livingston, a consultant for the ZAP-renewal campaign. "It just has a positive impact on people's lives all around the county."
The one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax, which will expire in two years unless reauthorized by voters, has funneled nearly $125 million into everything from fitness centers and new trails to theaters and museums.
Sandy, Holladay, Magna and West Jordan, to name a few, all landed fitness centers during the inaugural ZAP bonanza. The funds - ZAP raises $14 million to $16 million a year - also provide seed money for dozens of cultural programs.
In all, nearly 190 organizations - from Hogle Zoo to the Magna Arts Council - have benefited from the tax.
"So many people see the value of that tax," says Pamela Atkinson, co-chairwoman of the ZAP-renewal campaign. "It's one way of keeping the families together."
One detractor, however, is the Utah Taxpayers Association, which argues that all tax money should go into one pot to be divided according to need.
Some private fitness providers oppose the tax for what they say creates government-subsidized competition.
"There's a place for municipal investment, but when they compete directly with private business, I think it's inappropriate," says Paul Fotheringham, controller for the Sports Mall in Murray.
"It seems very unfair."
Despite the hefty support, Livingston is not ready to declare victory.
"We're going to work hard up until Election Day," he says, "because that's the poll that matters."
djensen@sltrib.com
