Significant surpluses were tapped and higher standards for performance were implemented across county functions. The result: Officials say Utah's most populous county will stave off a significant tax increase until 2010.
"The demise of Salt Lake County or the notion we had serious financial woes was greatly exaggerated," boasted Michael Jensen, chairman of the County Council.
Most credit new Mayor Peter Corroon. After taking over the executive hot seat - and lingering scandals - from embattled GOP Mayor Nancy Workman, the soft-spoken Democrat scrutinized each fund before presenting a "lean but responsible" spreadsheet earlier in the process than ever before.
Democrats and Republicans took turns Tuesday to call the budget process the best they have seen since taking office.
"This turned out a lot better than a lot of us feared," said Councilman Mark Crockett. Councilman Randy Horiuchi called it one of the best budgets he has seen in over 14 years in public office.
Still, the budget includes a minor tax increase due to a property tax judgment made by the Utah Tax Commission in favor of Qwest and Southwest Airlines. Residents in the unincorporated county will pay $4.13 more in 2006 on an average home value of $210,000. The levy will be slightly less in the incorporated areas.
For the first time, county coffers should get a break due to toughened criminal criteria for admitting people into the jail. The idea is to both cut costs and shift responsibility to treatment centers for the mentally ill and repeat drug offenders clogging the cells.
The budget also grants a big boost in pay to sheriff's deputies - more than 10 percent when coupled with an annual merit increase. Other highlights include:
l $100,000 for Jordan River cleanup; $125,000 for revitalizing dog parks; $500,000, with help from Cottonwood Heights, for completing the Golden Hills Park; $400,000 for the Ron Wood Park in West Jordan, along with more money for sidewalks, open space and planning for the West Bench.
l Employees received a 4.75 percent pay bump and a 25 percent discount card for county recreation facilities and $250,000 was set aside to help offset another double-digit percent hike in health costs.
l A proposal for "drastic" fee increases at the county's equestrian park - worth more than $100,000 - was buried in the 11th hour after dozens of horse enthusiasts voiced complaints.
djensen@sltrib.com
Council sets sight on Hendrickson for attorney spot
By a 5-3 vote, the council elected to pursue former District Attorney Chief Deputy Karl Hendrickson for the council's newly approved attorney position. The vote, which crossed party lines, may prompt a lawsuit from the current DA, David Yocom, county insiders warn. Yocom chastised the council last month for attempting to usurp his authority.
Councilman Jim Bradley, who voted against the measure, questions the need.
"Organizationally, it doesn't seem necessary," he said. "And it ain't cheap."
Still, fellow Democratic Councilman Joe Hatch argues the move would be a coup for the council. "Karl is one of the most respected government attorneys in the state," he said. "We're just lucky that he's interested."
