© 2024 KPCW

KPCW
Spencer F. Eccles Broadcast Center
PO Box 1372 | 460 Swede Alley
Park City | UT | 84060
Office: (435) 649-9004 | Studio: (435) 655-8255

Music & Artist Inquiries: music@kpcw.org
News Tips & Press Releases: news@kpcw.org
Volunteer Opportunities
General Inquiries: info@kpcw.org
Listen Like a Local Park City & Heber City Summit & Wasatch counties, Utah
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
KPCW brings coverage of the Utah State Legislature with straight from the source reporting.Mondays: Bryan Schott, award-winning journalist who has been covering politics in Utah for more than 15 years, calls in with his updates and insights.Thursdays: Representatives from our local School District, Chamber Bureau and City Hall will give the keen Park City perspectiveFridays: Utah House Representative Kraig Powell (District 54) calls or visits the studio to update from the point of view of a working lawmaker.State Legislature office website: le.utah.govUtah Senate and House Districts for Summit CountySUMMIT COUNTYSenate District 19: Sen. Christensen (R)Senate District 26: Sen. Kevin Van Tassell (R)House District 28: Rep. King (D)House District 53: Rep. Mel Brown (R)House District 54: Rep. Kraig Powell (R)`` Utah Senate and House Districts for Wasatch County WASATCH COUNTYSenate District 26: Sen. Kevin Van Tassell (R)Senate District 27: Sen. Hinkins (R)House District 54: Rep. Kraig Powell (R)```2014 coverage of the Utah Legislative Session is sponsored by Tesch Law Offices.

Summit County Council Will Keep An Eye On Legislative Doings

The Summit County Council will be keeping an eye on the Utah State Legislature until its scheduled closing on March 12th.

Deputy County Manager Janna Young and Council Member Kim Carson gave a presentation Wednesday to the Council.    

County Manager Tom Fisher said that the county isn’t pursuing any specific pieces of legislation.    That’s in contrast to last year.      

“Last year, we had a big year around renewable energy, and involuntary sewer districts around failing septic systems—a large push that actually kinda culminated about a three-year effort of moving towards that session.  I think we’re gonna be looking at the affiliated groups under UAC, whether that be the assessors, or the recorders, or the clerks to see what comes out of those groups, in order to see where the county might land.”

The legislature’s tax reform proposal has been dumped.    But the staff report to Council said the result is that the state’s budgeting is about $45 million underwater.   That could leave the county with some challenges finding funding.

Fisher said that money for tourism promotion is certainly important for the county and for the Park City Chamber/Bureau.        

“Early indications, at least, from some of the speaking that we’ve heard from legislative leadership is that they would like to continue funding the tourism.  I mean, it’s one of our largest parts of our economy and needed.   So we’re gonna see.   But we keep a close on those things, so we can weigh in when it’s necessary.”

One proposed bill would make it easier to conduct prescribed burns in forests.   Fisher said they have a mixed reaction to that.       

“Certainly that could help reduce fuels in our forest.  But who has the control about making sure that air quality is protected, or that fires are done responsibly, so that it doesn’t spread to a bigger problem.  So far, our fire district hasn’t seen an issue with the bill’s language, or our fire districts.  But again, we’re gonna watch that one close.”

Another proposal would exempt electric cars from a commercial personal property tax.    Fisher said they generally support that, given their goals on Sustainability.

Known for getting all the facts right, as well as his distinctive sign-off, Rick covered Summit County meetings and issues for 35 years on KPCW. He now heads the Friday Film Review team.
Related Content