Summit County’s proposed 2027 budget has grown to $109 million, up from an earlier $107 million estimate, without a proposed property-tax increase for its general and municipal services funds.
That does not guarantee unchanged tax bills. Other taxing entities, including special service districts, could increase their own levies.
County Manager Shayne Scott outlined the initial $107 million proposal on KPCW’s “Local News Hour” on Oct. 13. Scott and Chief Finance Officer Matt Leavitt presented the budget to the Summit County Council on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Leavitt said the total reached $109 million after he added final salary figures, the Park Record reported. He estimated personnel accounts for roughly 60% of spending, consistent with recent years.
The proposal includes 13 full-time positions and one part-time role, according to KPCW. The county’s budget presentation lists a 3.5% employee cost-of-living adjustment costing $1.5 million and a 3% merit increase costing $1.2 million.
Scott said sales-tax revenue and grants allow the county to increase spending without seeking a property-tax increase. The presentation does not recommend a Truth in Taxation hearing.
The county last increased property taxes for its general and municipal services funds in 2017, Leavitt told the council, according to the Park Record. Its assessing and collecting fund was increased more recently.
Departments submitted 26 requests for new positions, and 13 were left unfunded. The Sheriff’s Office requested eight positions; Scott recommended funding four. He said recruitment and retention were priorities because the area’s high living costs make attracting employees difficult.
The proposal remains preliminary. Further discussions will cover personnel, capital projects, special service districts and other spending.
The Oct. 21 council agenda schedules another budget discussion for 5 p.m. at the Summit County Courthouse in Coalville, with remote participation available.
Public hearings are planned for Dec. 2 in the Snyderville Basin and Dec. 9 in Coalville. Residents can submit written comments to [email protected]. The council must adopt the budget before the end of 2026.
