Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! We’ve got the latest from county council’s Wednesday meeting — including a breakdown of county employees, details for a newly approved sales tax, housing data, and more!
Alright, let’s get into the news!
TOPIC 1: 2026 PERSONNEL BUDGET
County council continued its 2026 budget review in this week’s meeting. Kicking off the discussion, County Manager Shayne Scott and Finance Manager Matt Leavitt presented an overview of current employees and a request for funds to support new hires, raises, and employee benefits.
A few key stats that might interest you:
- Summit County currently has 19 elected officials and chief deputies, 373 full-time positions, and 38 part-time positions
- The average age of a county employee is 44
- The average length of service (meaning time working for the county) is 8 years
- However, only 38% had more than 8 years of service, meaning there are some long-term employees that skew the result higher
- Year-to-year, the county spends an average of 62% of its budget on personnel (but the 2026 budget will actually be slightly under that average)
Eight new positions were proposed, including a full-time public records coordinator, an additional school resource officer through the Sheriff’s department, and more staff for the finance, engineering, facilities, IT, and waste collection departments.
The raises proposed in the upcoming budget include a 2.7% cost of living adjustment for all employees and an additional $1.2 million in funds for merit raises. The county is also raising its 401(k) match to be more competitive in retaining and attracting new employees.
The council will continue to hear more about the 2026 budget in the weeks to come. A public hearing on the budget will be held on December 3rd in the Snyderville Basin (location to be determined) and a second public hearing will be held on December 10th at the county courthouse in Coalville (after which the council is expected to adopt the budget).
TOPIC 2: COUNCIL APPROVES IMPACTED COMMUNITIES TAX
Near the end of the lengthy meeting, council voted 4-1 to approve the “Impacted Communities Tax” (formerly known as the Resort Communities Tax).
The new sales tax of 1.1% would be applied to purchases of specific goods and services within unincorporated Summit County, including:
- Retail sales of physical or digital goods
- Paid admission for entertainment and recreational activities
- Meals at restaurants, eateries, catering & other dining options
The tax would not apply to unprepared food (like groceries), prescription medications, and gasoline. The intent of this tax is to pay for bonds that would support long-term transportation improvements to benefit residents, visitors, and businesses.
The tax takes effect next summer and is expected to bring in about $17 million annually. The total sales tax for purchases in unincorporated Summit County would then be 8.75%.
Use of these funds is restricted to transportation infrastructure and transit projects. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion and provide public amenities to improve community connectivity and quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. The county needs to start preparing for the future by establishing a funding source to construct these improvements, some of which begin in 2026.
To learn more about the intent of the tax and where the money will be spent, check out the link in our show notes.
TOPIC 3: AFFORDABLE HOUSING HELPS KIDS
The Summit County Housing Authority is tasked with addressing the housing shortage facing Summit County’s medium and low-income residents — a growing problem facing residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Since the housing authority was created in May, the board of commissioners has been meeting monthly to talk with community partners, prepare a strategic plan, and start community outreach efforts. One goal for the housing authority is to increase awareness of the challenges faced by people experiencing housing insecurity.
We are excited to share an excerpt from the first of many educational articles from the Housing Authority: “Stable, affordable housing is essential for children — and for Summit County’s future,” written by Kristen Schulz, director of the Early Childhood Alliance and housing authority commissioner.
The article begins, “Providing families a safe, affordable, and stable place to live allows children and families to thrive. Research across public health, education, and economics shows that affordable and stable housing reduces toxic stress, improves physical and mental health, provides better educational outcomes, and creates economic stability and opportunities that last a lifetime…”
To read the article in full and find links to peer-reviewed research that backs up her claims, visit summitcounty.info/housinghelpskids.
TOPIC 4: ELECTION CERTIFICATIONS
Did you know? Election results aren’t final until the canvass. A canvass is when the governing body of the entity holding the election (in this case, each municipality, board, or special service district) reviews the election results and either approves them or asks for more information. Once they approve the results, they become final.
The local election officer for each entity that held an election will post the date, time, and location of the canvass on their website. You can find links to those sites at summitcounty.info/electionFAQ. Most are being held next Tuesday, November 18, so voters can likely expect official results of the municipal elections shortly thereafter.
TOPIC 5: PROPERTY TAXES
The Treasurer’s Office mailed tax notices in late October. If you want to view/download your notice online, visit summitcountyutah.gov/treasurer. Taxes are due on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Reminder: If you’ve moved here full-time, recently bought a home, or rent your property long-term to a Utah-domiciled resident (aka someone who pays Utah income tax), then NOW is the time to make sure you update and declare your primary residency status. Use the Primary Residential Exemption form online at summitcountyutah.gov/pre by December 1, 2025. A property that is granted a primary residence exemption is only taxed at 55% of the market value of the home and up to one acre of land.
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