Making progress

We’re heading into the home stretch. The 2017 General Session of the Utah State Legislature is nearing the finish line, and it has been an interesting journey.

Historically speaking, we faced a record 1,272 bills introduced for consideration. Fully 183 dealt with issues affecting local and special districts that are a part of the Utah Association of Special Districts. Among them were dissolution bills and others about:

• water
• taxes
• government records
• immunity

While representing UASD’s members, we’ve seen the power of open conversation and the spirit of compromise. For example, Sen. Lincoln Fillmore (R-South Jordan) on Feb. 24 introduced the negotiated first substitute to SB 94. The original bill, as Fillmore saw it, corrected what he called taxation without representation because of appointed board members on district boards. We recognized that his proposed solution would actually create the situation the senator hoped to end.

Under the new bill, if a local district board with appointed board members goes through truth-in-taxation measures. The appointed members only will attend a public meeting of their appointing entity as an agenda item. In an informational report, they will explain the proposed tax increase and the budgetary need that made it necessary. The appointing entity is not required to vote on the proposal, though they may do so. The vote is not binding on the appointee.

We’ll continue to watch SB 94’s progress in coming days as it moves toward becoming law. The entire process reinforces our commitment to better educate constituents and legislators on the importance of Utah’s local and special districts.