Despite a slowdown in tax revenue and an economy stretched thin by the cost of goods, Mayor Jenny Wilson proposed a balanced 2025 budget that prioritizes public safety and employees, and ensures the County maintains its AAA bond rating.
Additionally, Mayor Wilson’s budget proposal includes the continuation of several priority projects, including:
- Implementation of the Human Services, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Action Plan
- Utilization of opioid settlement dollars to fund two Drug Enforcement Administration Metro Narcotics Task Force officers
- My County Rec Pass for kids and youth
- No library late fees for kids’ overdue books
- Jail Resource and Re-entry Program for people exiting jail
- Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing opportunities
New public safety priorities detailed in the budget include purchasing bulletproof/stab vests for law enforcement employees—a cost that is currently absorbed by employees, an expansion of the Adult Detention Center, and building a Justice and Accountability Center. Funding for the latter two is dependent upon the passing of the $507 million Public Safety Bond.
Also prioritized in the 2025 budget is the building of a new arts center in the southwest region of the County. A $25 million dollar donation from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation will help fund the construction of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center in South Jordan, north of the County Library’s Daybreak branch. Tourism, Recreation, Culture, and Convention (TRCC) funds will be used to cover the remaining construction costs, which are estimated to be $65 million dollars.
Preventing the disruption of existing public programs drove many of the 2025 budget decisions, as did ensuring employee pay and affordable healthcare benefits were given precedence.
“The 2025 budget proposal reflects that we are disciplined, we are fiscally conservative, and that we care both about protecting programs and prioritizing employees,” shared Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Our employees are essential to service delivery and because of them we continue to be a driving, relevant asset to our community with everything we’re funding, continue to fund, and continue to deliver.”
Mayor Wilson’s proposed budget includes a 3.5 percent increase for employees and, to remain competitive and ensure necessary staffing, a 4.75 percent increase for sworn officers.
Departments will present their budgets to County Council over the next few weeks. The County Council will make final budget decisions and present a budget for public review in late November. Following public comment, the final budget will be approved.
