Wednesday evening, December 18, 2019
NORTHERN UTAH
Utah County Property Tax Hike
Utah County property taxes are going up more than 67%. The County Commission voted 2-1 Tuesday to increase the county’s portion of the tax for the first time in 23 years. On average, Utah County property owners will pay about $83 more each year under the new tax rate. It’s expected to bring in about $19 million more annually to the general fund, which pays for things things like criminal justice and elections. — Sonja Hutson
New Candidate For Rep. Rob Bishop’s Seat
Retired businessman and former teacher Howard Wallack of Park City has announced a run for Congress. Wallack joins a crowded field of Republicans vying for Utah’s first congressional district seat. Rep. Rob Bishop will retire after this term. In a release, Wallack describes himself as a political outsider and says his focus is immigration, national security and ending deficit spending. — Caroline Ballard
STATE
Affordable Housing Grants
Six affordable housing providers across Utah will receive funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Zions Bank is a member of the Des Moines bank and was the sponsoring financial institution for the Utah projects. A total of $1.8 million in grant money will be divided between programs in Salt Lake City, Park City, Brigham City, Escalante and Tropic. The money will go to renovating structures and new construction, and it is predicted to create housing opportunities for up to 200 low-income families and individuals. — Caroline Ballard
NATION
Utah’s Impeachment Votes
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump. As expected, Utah’s Republican representatives, John Curtis, Chris Stewart and Rob Bishop, voted against impeachment … and its lone Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams voted for it. — Sonja Hutson