Layton council reenacts RAMP sales tax after 75% voter approval

Layton Mayor Joy Petro and the City Council on Nov. 20 unanimously adopted ordinance 25-25 to reenact the citys recreation, arts, museum and parks (RAMP) sales tax at one-tenth of 1% of taxable sales beginning April 1, 2026, for a 10-year term.

The vote follows a Nov. 4 ballot in which Layton voters authorized the council to impose the RAMP tax; staff said the measure passed with 75% of the vote. Dave Price, a city staff member who presented the ordinance, said the tax has supported recreation, arts, museums and parks for the last 10 years and the proposed reenactment will allow that funding to continue.

"If adopted, this ordinance will enact a recreation, arts, museum, and parks or RAMP sales tax of one-tenth of one percent on appropriate taxable sales within Layton City beginning 04/01/2026," Price said during the council presentation.

The presentation recognized community volunteers who ran the successful campaign, including co-chairs Daniella Harding and Bruce Finch and steering-committee members. Harding told the council, "We did it," and thanked volunteers, staff and Mayor Petro for their work in the renewal effort.

Council members praised the publics strong support and emphasized stewardship. Several members said the RAMP commission and the political information committee had vetted applications and helped the public understand how funds are used. The mayor and council also announced a public listening session on Dec. 15 to gather any suggestions on the RAMP ordinance before its next funding cycle.

The ordinance was moved, seconded and adopted by unanimous voice vote at the meeting. The council noted that the reenacted tax will not affect the current grant cycle and will take effect in the next 10-year cycle beginning April 2026.

What happens next: the city will notify the Utah State Tax Commission of the ordinance and continue work with the RAMP commission and staff on administration and upcoming grant cycles.