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Senate hears plea for $3.1 million supplement as Washington County school growth outpaces formula
Summary
Senator Watson urged a supplemental $3.1 million for critical school building needs, saying Washington County accounted for a disproportionate share of statewide student growth and the current formula left the district with a $36,000 allocation from $10.2 million in need.
Senators heard an appeal from Senator Watson on Feb. 27 for additional state funding to address critical school-building needs in Washington County, which he said has experienced extraordinary enrollment growth.
Watson told colleagues that Washington County represented 51 percent of Utah's growth last year — more than 900 students — and that the formula for distributing the $10.2 million critical-building fund left the district with only about $36,000. "You think I have a problem with formulas? This tells you why," Watson said during a detailed presentation of the district's demographics and year-round school structure.
The bill (first substitute HB15) asks for a $3.1 million supplemental appropriation to address short-term needs while the formula is reviewed over the interim. Watson warned that, without action, the district may be forced into double sessions or other disruptive scheduling.
Senators asked questions about alternatives, including impact fees and formula changes. One senator noted impact fees could be an option but observed some statewide legislation could prevent local impact fees from being used. The bill carries a significant fiscal note, and the Senate placed the measure on the third-reading calendar with a recorded vote that left it positioned for later consideration.
