Hey everyone and welcome to another week of news here on Summit In Six. We’ve got some important information on Early Voting for next week, an overview of the Resort Communities Tax Council is considering, a couple of open surveys and more!
TOPIC 1: EARLY VOTING AND MAIL-IN BALLOTS
With the 2025 General Election just around the corner, Early Voting begins this coming Wednesday, October 29, through Saturday, November 1.
Voters: please be aware that the Park City voting center has been RELOCATED to the Quinn’s/Round Valley Summit County Health Department at 650 Round Valley Drive, Park City. Voting will take place in the Lower Conference Room. The Marsac Building will not serve as a voting center for this election. This includes Election Day as well.
While early voting dates are the same in both locations, please pay close attention to the following times:
- Hours at the Health Department will be 8 AM–1 PM all four days.
- Hours at the Summit County Courthouse will be 8 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT on Saturday, November 1, which is 8 AM–1 PM.
And don’t forget to check your mailboxes, voters! The Summit County Clerk’s Office mailed ballots to active, registered voters for the 2025 General Election last week. If you didn’t receive a ballot, but believe you should have, please email elections@summitcountyutah.gov.
Questions about the upcoming election? Visit summitcounty.info/electionFAQ.
TOPIC 2: RESORT COMMUNITIES TAX
This week in County Council, Finance Officer Matt Leavitt and County Manager Shayne Scott gave council members an overview of the Resort Communities Tax.
This is a local sales and use tax the County can impose on certain taxable purchases from businesses in unincorporated Summit County (outside any city limits). Revenue from this tax can be used on public infrastructure and improvements, including transportation and transit projects. It was created to help resort communities support the needs of visitors and mitigate the impacts of tourism on the community.
The County Council can choose to implement the tax anywhere from 0.5% to 1.1% to bring in an estimated $7.7 to $17 million in annual revenue.
Examples of purchases this tax would apply to include:
- Retail sales of physical or digital goods.
- Paid admission for entertainment and recreational activities.
- Meals (prepared food and beverage) at restaurants, eateries, catering & other dining options.
Major industries contributing to the tax include:
- Utilities
- Restaurants
- Online sales
- Retail businesses
- Home improvement stores
- Resort lodging and nightly rentals
Items such as unprepared food (like groceries), prescription medications, and gasoline, diesel and other fuels are not affected by this tax. The Resort Communities Tax does not change property tax amounts, either.
The County is considering this tax to support long-term transportation improvements to benefit residents, visitors, and businesses by easing congestion and constructing public infrastructure for major future events (such as the 2034 Olympics).
If approved, potential projects include:
- Improvements to the I-80/Kimball Junction interchange and surrounding roads
- Transit center, bus rapid transit along State Route 224
- Structured parking with workforce housing
- Pedestrian bridge over State Route 224
The Council will decide whether or not to adopt the tax in the October 29th council meeting next week.
TOPIC 3: FEEDBACK ON WATER ELEMENTS OF COUNTY GENERAL PLANS
Do you care about thoughtful planning and development based on water availability?
Round 2 feedback on the Water Element of the Snyderville Basin and Eastern Summit County generals plans opens today, October 24 through November 5.
Visit summitcounty.info/waterelement to review the plans and provide your feedback on this vital component of the planning process.
TOPIC 4: SUMMIT BIKE SHARE: COUNTDOWN TO SEASON’S END
It seems like no time at all has passed since things kicked off for Summit Bike Share in May, but after almost 6 months of unprecedented ridership: we’re approaching the season’s end. Projections estimate we’ll have served over 20,000 riders, and our bikes will have traveled almost 70,000 miles!
There’s still time to try out a bike for the first time, or ride a few miles more if you already have a pass. To celebrate the incredible season we’ve had, we’re offering half price rides for the next 10 days. From today through Sunday, Nov. 2, you can enjoy a 30-minute ride for just $2.50.
Go to summitbikeshare.com to see a station map, purchase a pass, and learn about the bike share’s history. Barring any extreme weather, our last day of the season will be Monday, November 3.
We have many incredible sponsors to thank, especially title sponsors Intermountain Healthcare and Park City Chamber of Commerce. We also appreciate the continued support of Deer Valley Resort, Mountain Magazine, and Pocket Guide to Park City.
We have ambitious plans for next year, so stay tuned for more updates.
TOPIC 5: LAST CALL FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SURVEY
We’re entering the last week of our survey for Active Transportation in Summit County, and we want to hear from YOU!
One emphasis for the updated plan is to address a need for more trails in Eastern Summit County. The ultimate goal is to create a countywide active transportation network that will link communities from east to west and north to south.
Every resident or visitor that enjoys getting around on their own two feet (or two wheels) is welcome to contribute their input to the official Active Transportation Plan for Summit County. To see a map of existing conditions, learn about areas of concern, and find out what’s planned for the near future: go to summitcounty.info/activetransportation.
You can go directly to the survey by clicking the link in our show notes. After reviewing public comments and working with a steering committee, the Transportation department plans to present final recommendations in spring 2026.
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