Council approves $953,503 FY2026 request to fund unincorporated Salt Lake County operations, including $300,000 one‑time for mediator and MSD analysis

The Salt Lake County Council approved a proposed administration budget request of $953,503 for unincorporated Salt Lake County on March 18 and forwarded it to the Municipal Services District (MSD) for consideration as part of the MSD’s 2026 fiscal plan.

Lisa Hartman and Jared Steffey presented the request, explaining the total covers routine unincorporated government operations and two notable adjustments. The package includes a one‑time $300,000 allocation to fund a mediator and a service‑district analysis intended to support intergovernmental discussions about the relationship between the county and the MSD. "This would go to what we were talking about, last week with the council… hiring a mediator to work with all three districts to come to a consensus on our relationship," Hartman said.

Staff also asked for an increase to cover anticipated growth in parking enforcement administrative costs. The county recently moved to civil enforcement for certain parking in canyon areas; with the sheriff’s office now enforcing the civil rule, staff expect more tickets and appeals and recommended additional MSD staffing capacity to process fines and appeals. County staff noted unincorporated areas brought in roughly $14,000 from parking tickets in 2024 but expect collections to rise in 2025.

Council members asked clarifying questions about the $300,000 request and parking enforcement trends. After discussion a motion to approve the $953,503 request passed by voice vote. The council’s action sends the figure for inclusion in the MSD budget process; the council retains final budget authority during the county’s formal budget process.

Next steps: If approved by the MSD in its fiscal package, the council will retain authority to alter spending during the county’s budget process. Staff will provide additional budget detail as the MSD finalizes its FY2026 recommendation.