Debt Review Committee recommends sales‑tax bonds to reimburse county for government center purchase and related projects

The Salt Lake County Debt Review Committee voted to recommend that the County Council authorize approximately $120,000,000 in bonds, and recommended using sales‑tax revenue bonds rather than Municipal Building Authority (MBA) debt.

Darren Casper explained the request, saying the county used cash held for new jail facilities to purchase new government center real estate and now needs to reimburse that cash. “We need to reimburse ourselves for that,” Darren said when describing the purpose of the issuance.

Committee members were also told the bond proceeds would cover a roughly $35,000,000 estimated remodel of the Peace Coliseum plus construction or replacement space for facilities management, a secure elections operations center and the Meals on Wheels kitchen. Darren said about 40% of bond proceeds could be spent immediately and that timing is important to support moving the county corporate headquarters to Midvale and to avoid demolition of existing facilities before replacements are ready.

Committee discussion noted Municipal Building Authority capacity limitations and the practical advantages of sales‑tax bonds for an issuance of this size. A committee member moved to recommend issuance of sales‑tax revenue bonds; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The committee asked staff to draft a letter to accompany a council resolution explaining the recommendation and the committee’s reasoning about MBA capacity limits. Committee staff said they will engage bond counsel and prepare the draft letter and accompanying documentation for the council.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the County Council and, if the council approves, bond counsel will prepare the resolutions and financing documents.