Summit County Council took a significant step forward on October 4, 2023, by approving Resolution 2023-21, which authorizes the filing of a cross appeal for centrally assessed property taxes. This resolution is crucial for maintaining the county's legal standing in ongoing tax disputes, particularly with Mid America Pipeline, which has appealed its tax assessments for several consecutive years.

Helen Strong, the county assessor, provided an overview of the process, explaining that while the Utah State Tax Commission assesses the value of utilities and other centrally assessed properties, the county is responsible for billing and collecting the associated taxes. This year, the county faces a lighter load with only one appeal from Mid America Pipeline, a frequent participant in these proceedings.

The resolution is a protective measure, ensuring that Summit County can participate in the appeal process, even though its financial interest in the case is relatively small—less than 5%. The council emphasized the importance of having legal representation, with outside counsel Tom Peters, who specializes in these matters, set to guide the county through the appeal.

The council members expressed their support for the resolution, recognizing the necessity of maintaining a presence in the appeal process, despite the modest financial stakes involved. The motion to approve the resolution passed unanimously, reinforcing the county's commitment to effectively managing its tax assessment challenges.