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Manti council outlines effects of county 'rural health' tax proposal to fund E‑911 dispatch
Summary
Councilmembers reported on a Sanpete County hearing about a local option 'rural health' sales tax that could raise up to 1% on many non‑grocery retail and prepared foods to fund E‑911 dispatch. If the county declines the tax, municipalities could face spreading the cost to residents — an estimated $7–$11 monthly utility fee per household.
Members of the Manti City Council discussed a Sanpete County proposal to use a state‑authorized local option "rural health" sales and use tax to fund E‑911 dispatch services.
Councilmembers Jennifer Christiansen and Brian Francois attended a county hearing and summarized options for the council on July 1. City officials emphasized that while the tax name references "health," the proposal covered a local option sales/use tax that county leaders may dedicate to E‑911 dispatch services in response to an unfunded state mandate; it would not be used for hospitals, clinics, or general health‑care facilities, according to the city discussion.
The tax could be up to 1% and would apply to many non‑food retail purchases and prepared/processed food, but most basic grocery items and gasoline would be excluded. The council noted the proposal would also tax visitors using county recreation areas, broadening the revenue base. Council members said that if the county does not adopt the tax, the county would likely distribute the state mandate costs among municipalities, which could mean an estimated household surcharge on utility meters of approximately $7–$11 per month for Manti residents.
No formal municipal action was taken; councilmembers asked staff to monitor county proceedings and report back.
