Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! We may have experienced the first snows of the season, but we have more autumn weather on the horizon and plenty of seasonal events to enjoy.
In today’s episode, we are going to cover a brief overview of the draft 2026 county budget, share some great sustainability news, answer your election questions, and highlight some great events and public engagement opportunities! Alright, let’s get into the news.
TOPIC 1: DRAFT BUDGET FOR 2026
At Wednesday’s meeting, County Council reviewed a draft budget for 2026 totalling $100 million. County Manager Shayne Scott and Finance Manager Matt Leavitt presented the draft figures and highlighted key details.
The roughly $10 million increase over this year’s budget was largely attributed to a 0.5% sales tax for emergency services implemented last November. Next year, the same tax is expected to bring in about $16.5 million in revenue. Revenue sources in general breakdown as follows:
- $36.2 million from property taxes
- $18 million through sales taxes
- $16.5 million from the aforementioned emergency services sales tax
- $4 million through licensing and permitting
- $13.9 million from grants and intergovernmental revenue (much of which supports Health Department programs)
- $8.2 million through fees and services (fees from commercial businesses, planning department, etc.)
- $5 million from other sources
As for where the money will be spent, the five highest expenditure sectors are public safety ($32 million), public works ($15 million), general fund ($22 million), governance ($13 million), and public health ($10.5 million). Between now and December 10, the county will be meeting weekly to review the budget in greater detail and discuss changes as necessary.
Some items that were considered or requested for the budget but not addressed in the 2026 draft include: funds for 8 additional full-time employees (in addition to 8 that would be funded), about $1.1 in miscellaneous requests, a courthouse remodel, the Park City Senior Services building, and no recommendation for a property tax increase.
The next meeting for council on Oct. 22 is expected to include a discussion on revenue and tax projections, as well as an overview of fund balances.
A public hearing on the budget is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 3 in the Snyderville Basin (at the Richins Building) with another hearing in Coalville scheduled for Dec. 10 (at the courthouse). After the public hearing on Dec. 10, the County Council is expected to adopt the budget later in that meeting.
TOPIC 2: EXCITING DIVERSION NEWS WITH RECYCLE UTAH
Earlier this week, Summit County, Park City, and Recycle Utah announced a partnership to ensure residents continue to have uninterrupted, accessible, and expanding options for responsible waste diversion now and in the years to come.
Together, they are developing a coordinated plan for the Summer of 2026, when Recycle Utah moves out of its current location, in order to guarantee residents continue to have access to the recycling options they have always enjoyed.
Included in the plan is an effort to find Recycle Utah a new home. Park City is relinquishing its rights to a 4.18-acre parcel of land in the U.S. 40 corridor specifically so Summit County and Recycle Utah can designate the property as the permanent location for Recycle Utah’s future operations. This site will allow Recycle Utah to continue operating a central drop-off and collections center, while remaining a hub for waste education, outreach, and community building.
Looking ahead, the three organizations are exploring opportunities to make recycling more convenient than ever for more of our community. This includes launching a joint effort to “refresh” Summit County’s 2018 Solid Waste Master Plan. This process has already begun and includes creating an action agenda with new and more robust waste reduction and diversion targets, as well as strategies to achieve them. Our goal is to create a roadmap for the next 5, 10, 20 years and beyond that reflects the values of our community, adapts to changing needs, and advances long-term sustainability.
It’s really cool to know Summit County, Park City, and Recycle Utah are united in this work. This joint success reflects the best of what we can accomplish together.
TOPIC 3: ELECTIONS UPDATE
Are you registered to vote yet? If not, the deadline to register and receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the 2025 General Election is just ONE WEEK away on Friday, October 24, 2025.
The easiest way to register if you have an up-to-date Utah driver’s license is to go to voter.utah.gov.
If you miss the October 24th deadline, you can register to vote at an early voting location or an Election Day voting location. However, you will need to present two forms of identification at the voting location to register, one that proves your identity and the other that proves your residence.
For our registered voters: check your mailboxes! The Summit County Clerk’s Office began mailing ballots for the 2025 General Election this past Tuesday, Oct. 14. After filling out your ballot, it must be RECEIVED by the clerk’s office on or before 8:00 pm on Election Day (November 4). In the past, ballots only had to be postmarked by the day before Election Day — voters should be aware of the shorter timeline to return their ballots.
You can also drop your ballot off at a dropbox location before 8 pm on Election Day. Get all your elections-related questions answered at summitcounty.info/electionFAQ.
TOPIC 4: HALLOWEEN HEALTH FAIR
And just in time for the spooky season: Summit County Health Department will be hosting a Halloween Health Fair on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5–7 pm at the Ledges Event Center in Coalville. (that’s located at 202 Park Rd next to the fairgrounds).
Costumes are highly encouraged, but not required! Come learn about resources and services your local health department and community partners have to offer. We will have activities, prizes, and treats!
Flu and COVID vaccines will be available for those interested with no appointment needed. Bring any health insurance cards you have if you want to get a vaccine (we are unable to accept Cigna or University of Utah Health insurance plans).
Come enjoy a spooktacular time and protect your health at our Halloween Fair!
TOPIC 5: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:” AVALANCHE AWARENESS
If the Halloween Health Fair isn’t your scene, or maybe you spend a lot of time in the backcountry during the winter, you should consider joining a free avalanche awareness training held on Thursday, Oct 23, from 6–7 pm at the Sheldon Richins Auditorium (1885 W Ute Blvd in Kimball Junction).
“Know Before You Go” is a free avalanche awareness training hosted by Summit County Lands & Natural Resources. You can expect an informative and easy to grasp explanation of the when, why, and how of avalanches as well as how you can continue to have fun in the mountains and stay safe.
Learn from experts and have some fun next Thursday evening with “Know Before You Go.” For more information, go to kbyg.org.
TOPIC 6: ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
After 6 years of hard work securing funds, collaborating with partners, and building connections, Summit County is updating our Active Transportation Plan. This 2025 update will build on the 2019 recommended facilities to create a countywide active transportation network.
“Active transportation” includes all forms of human-powered mobility like walking, cycling, and even non-mechanized wheelchair use. We’re seeking public input on how to increase connectivity, safety, accessibility, and sustainability within our active transportation network. We especially want input on areas outside the boundaries of Park City Municipal to inform new trails and help us build linkages in collaboration with Park City.
Go to summitcounty.info/activetransportation to see a map of existing conditions, learn about areas of concern, and find out what’s coming in the near future.
Whether you live or work in Summit County, visit for recreation, or enjoy the trails and open spaces in any way: please submit your comments in the survey linked in our show notes.
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