Hello Salina City Citizens:
We are required by law to provide you with a voter information pamphlet for the upcoming municipal election. This is an election year where local officials are chosen to serve for a 4-year term. We will also have a proposition on the ballot concerning the Parks and Recreation tax re-authorization. Read the information carefully and contact Salina City if you have any questions.
ELECTION DATE: Tuesday November 4, 2025
This will be a 'by mail' election which means that all registered voters who live within Salina City limits will receive in the mail a ballot around the middle of October.
This ballot will need to be filled out by the registered voter and then placed in the provided envelope, signed and can be:
1- Dropped off at the ballot box Once you have completed the ballot, you may mail the ballot in the envelope provided - OR- you may drop off the ballot at your local city office until 5:00 pm on the Thursday before the election. There will be early voting October 28-31, 9am to 4pm. 250 N Main, Richfield.
2- Election Day November 4, 2025, 7am to 8pm Sevier County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall 230 S 400 E located at Sevier County Fairgrounds in Richfield. 24 hour drop box Salina EMS Building, Salina, Utah or at the Sevier County Administration Building located at 250 N Main, Richfield, Utah.
CAUTION: The Utah State Legislature passed a law in the recent session that requires ballots to be at the Sevier County Administration building by 8:00 pm on election day. Ballots that are mailed on the Monday before the election or on Tuesday, election day will not arrive in time to be counted. Make sure you get your ballot to the election office on time.
Be sure to get your ballot in early so that it can be counted.
Voter Information Pamphlet: Proposition 12 - Parks and Recreation Tax Reauthorization-
BALLOT QUESTION-
TITLE: ' REAUTHORIZATION OF THE 1/10 OF 1% SALES TAX TO FUND PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS IN THE NORTH SEVIER AREA'
BALLOT QUESTION:
'Shall Salina City, Utah, be re-authorized to impose .1% sales and use tax to help fund North Sevier Recreation in the planning, improving, and maintaining of the below-listed projects new and old?
The purchase of equipment, uniforms, and much-needed supplies for all our youth and adult activities and classes.
To aid in the planning to maintain and operate all our publicly owned recreation facilities, new and old.
To fund and support grant writing for larger-scale projects such as parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pools, walking and biking trails, and many other facilities used for recreation purposes.'
FOR
AGAINST
______________________________________________________________________
Proposition 12 Overview: Proposition 12 seeks to reauthorize the existing 1/10th of 1% sales tax to fund parks and recreation programs in the North Sevier communities. This is not a new tax but a continuation of the current Parks and Recreation (PAR) tax.
Purpose of the PAR Tax: The PAR tax provides funding for parks and recreation
facilities and programs in the North Sevier communities, supporting community
recreation and public spaces.
Past PAR Tax Expenditures: Funds from the PAR tax have previously been used to
support the following improvements in the North Sevier communities:
- Redmond:
- $31,200 for lights on the ball field
- $1,200 for batting cage net and turf
- Aurora:
- $24,000 for a new ball field next to the city building
- $1,200 for batting cage net and turf
- Salina:
- $40,000 for swimming pool refurbishment
- $28,000 to paint and put up nets on the pickle ball court next to the Recreation building
- $100,000 for property purchase for a new park next to the Recreation building
OTHER USES: PAR tax monies help to purchase equipment for different sports, wrestling mats, uniforms, pay for officials and field preparation. It is also used at the
North Sevier Community Center to maintain the building, buy gym equipment, help with the Senior Citizens program and The American Legion.
These improvements were made possible through the PAR tax to enhance recreational opportunities for residents.
Additional Information: This pamphlet will provide neutral information about Proposition 12. Arguments for or against the proposition will be provided on the following pages.
For more information, contact your local city election office. 435-529-7643 or 435-529-7304.
MORE INFORMATION: You can find further information at vote.utah.gov
ARGUMENT FOR THE PASSAGE OF PROPOSITION 12-
Ladies and gentlemen, residents of our interconnected three-community region, we stand at a crossroads where a small investment today can yield immense dividends for our health, economy, and social fabric tomorrow. The proposal before us is simple: implement a 1/10th of 1% sales tax-equivalent to just 0.1%, or a mere dime on every $100 spent-to dedicatedly fund recreation activities across our area. This isn't about burdensome new taxes; it's about smart, targeted funding for parks, trails, sports programs, community centers, and events that enrich lives and strengthen bonds. Supporting this measure is not only practical but essential for building a vibrant, resilient community.
Let me explain why:
First, consider the profound health benefits that expanded recreation opportunities would bring to our residents. In an era where sedentary lifestyles contribute to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and mental health challenges, accessible recreation acts as a preventive medicine cabinet for the masses. Studies show that communities with well-funded parks and programs see measurable improvements in physical activity levels: for instance, adults in areas with ample green spaces are 2.5 times more likely to meet exercise guidelines, reducing healthcare costs by an average of $250 per person annually. In our three-community area, where rural landscapes offer untapped potential for trails and outdoor activities, this tax could fund initiatives like expanded hiking paths or youth sports leagues, directly combating the isolation and inactivity that plague many small-town regions. Imagine families biking together, seniors joining low-impact fitness classes, or kids trading screen time for soccer fields-these aren't luxuries; they're lifelines to better health outcomes that save us all money in the long run.
Beyond health, this funding would ignite economic growth and vitality in our region. Recreation isn't just play; it's a proven economic engine. Nationally, outdoor recreation generates over $887 billion in consumer spending each year, supporting millions of jobs in tourism, retail, and hospitality. Locally, a modest sales tax like this could transform underutilized spaces into attractions that draw visitors from neighboring areas, boosting sales at our shops, restaurants, and hotels. Examples from similar regions abound-counties in Colorado and Oregon have used tiny sales tax increments (as low as 0.1%) to fund recreation, resulting in 10-15% increases in local tourism revenue within years. In our area, where economic diversification is key to weathering fluctuations in agriculture or manufacturing, investing in recreation means creating sustainable jobs and attracting young families who seek quality-of-life amenities when deciding where to settle.
Socially, this tax would foster the kind of community cohesion that makes our three-town region feel like one big family. Recreation programs build bridges across generations, backgrounds, and neighborhoods, reducing crime and enhancing civic pride. Research indicates that youth involved in structured recreation are 30% less likely to engage in delinquent behavior, thanks to the mentorship and positive outlets provided. In our interconnected communities, where shared schools and services already unite us, funding joint recreation initiatives-like inter-community sports tournaments or cultural festivals-would amplify that unity. It would also address equity, ensuring that lower-income families have access to activities often out of reach, promoting inclusivity in a way that pure volunteer efforts or sporadic donations simply can't sustain.
Moreover, sales taxes are inherently fair, as they're paid by everyone who benefits, including tourists and commuters passing through our area, not just residents. Unlike property taxes that hit homeowners hardest, this spreads the load equitably. And with dedicated funding-ring-fenced solely for recreation-we ensure transparency and accountability, avoiding the pitfalls of general budgets where monies get diverted.
In conclusion, supporting this 0.1% sales tax is an investment in ourselves, our children, and our future. It's a tiny step with outsized rewards: healthier bodies, stronger economies, and tighter-knit communities. By voting yes, we affirm that our three-community area deserves world-class recreation that matches our spirit and potential. Let's not miss this opportunity-embrace the change, fund the fun, and watch our region thrive.
ARGUMENT AGAINST THE PASSAGE OF PROPOSITION 12
There were no arguments submitted to oppose the passage of the proposition.
SALINA CITY CANDIDATES' INFORMATION-
THOSE CANDIDATES WHO FILED FOR OFFICE DURING THE APPROVED FILING DATES INCLUDE:
MAYOR -
BRODY J. AMES
BRENT CHAD BEACH
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER- 4 YEAR TERMS (2 SEATS)
CHELSEA ANNETTE BEACH
TAMARA JEAN HALES
KEVIN SHANE MICKELSEN
DAVID WAYNE TORGERSON
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS. If you need a special accommodation to participate in the City Council Meetings, please notify Ashlee Larsen, City Recorder, (435) 529-7304, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.