2023 Election

To verify your voter registration status, please visit: vote.utah.gov. Also make sure to update your address if you have moved!

Ballots will be mailed out around the first week in November, and election day this year is November 21, 2023. Residents can cast votes by mail-in ballot or in person. Voting in person will take place at the Wasatch County government building Nov. 14-17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or on Election Day Nov. 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Contact the Wasatch County Clerk at 435 657-3190 if you do not get your ballot, or want to double check your info.

Municipal Council Elections, and a very important Sales Tax Ballot item to fund our Emergency Medical Services, are on the ballot this year.  Heber Candidates       Midway Candidates      Midway “Meet the Candidate” recording (The passcode is SS3C&@3E )   Charleston Candidates   Daniel Candidates   Wallsburg Candidates  Hideout Candidates 

Heber City has RANKED CHOICE VOTING. Even though they say on the ballot to rank all 11  candidates, you do not have to!  If you only like 1, 2 or 3 then rank those candidates only. That may give your choices a better chance of winning.

Only ONE incumbent running, Mike Johnston. He has been on the council the last 4 years. All the rest are NEW candidates. 

Heber City Candidate Forum recording   Open space question 36:18 to 37:14 for question 37:14 to 43:45 for answers from group 1- 1:34:54 to 1:41:03 for group 2.    Bypass road question 31:07 to 31:21 for question 31:21 to 36:16 for answers from group 1, 1:28:42 to 1:34:09 for group 2

Heber City Candidates- KPCW Radio

Wasatch County Politics Facebook Page Q&A

(click on all pictures to enlarge)

PROP 9- Sales Tax Ballot item for Emergency Medical Services

Wasatch EMS Prop 9 INFO Video   Wasatch County Prop 9 VOTER Pamphlet

On this November election ballot as Proposition 9, the Wasatch voters will have an opportunity to approve a 0.5% sales tax (5 cents on a $10 purchase). This new sales tax will allow the visitors to our beautiful area to substantially share in the tax burden of providing services to all.

 

 

 

It is currently estimated that up to 80% of Wasatch County emergency calls are for EMS assistance.  Almost 40% of our emergency calls are for non-residents of Wasatch County and 33% of these tourists are from out of state. Operations are stretched to the limit in equipment and personnel, and our current funding model is not enough to continue to provide the professional services that our residents and visitors need and deserve. 

Fortunately, the Utah State legislature has recently recognized the need for additional funding for emergency services and has authorized an EMS sales tax that could be instituted in counties of our size on goods and services (exempting groceries, gasoline, and prescription medicines). The timing for us to fill these financial needs will never be perfect, but the need will also never go away.  We absolutely cannot consider raising property taxes on property owners at this time, until the current well-reported inequalities of our valuation assessments have been resolved.   

If Wasatch County voters approve this sales tax, it is estimated that it would generate $5-$6 million in the first year that would be ear marked strictly for EMS services, personnel, and facilities.  These funds will assist in staffing, strategically located EMS facilities, ambulances, lifesaving equipment and medical quick response vehicles, which will help provide better EMS service with shorter response times. At the same time, it will reduce the cost burden on Wasatch County property owners and share costs with our visitors. 

Wasatch County Fire/EMS has increased their funding over the last few years by instituting an impact fee in 2019 on all new development to fund the Fire District’s future capital projects, which leaves the operations budget relying primarily on property taxes and individual service fees, which disproportionally charges locals. 

Exponential growth in Wasatch County, in both permanent population and tourism over the last decade, has placed a huge increase in demand for the Wasatch Emergency Medical Service (EMS) District’s ability to provide emergency services, and is predicted to continue. 

Don’t miss your opportunity to vote on this issue! 

 

This website is for educational purposes only, unless it is specifically stated that WTPA has a stance on a specific issue. To the best of our knowledge this is correct information, but we welcome corrections if errors are found.

Wasatch Taxpayers Association appreciates any, and all, donations to further the cause of transparency and accountability in Wasatch County. Please take a moment and help this ALL volunteer group. Donate tab above.  Or join us today for a yearly membership. Thank You