Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe another year is coming to an end. Christmas events throughout Wasatch County have been a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community and reflect on another great year.
I’d like to share a few updates before we all unplug for the holidays. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Wasatch County Referendum
You may have received an email from the County regarding compliance with State code to make residents aware of the referendum.
Here is the County’s official statement:
Watch County asks you to NOT sign this referendum. The Heber Valley Temple's approval received overwhelming public support. The Wasatch County Council unanimously voted to approve the project. Multiple public hearings and meetings were held considering every aspect of the project, which has been thoroughly vetted by many experts in a variety of fields. A referendum on this approval could result in unnecessary delays to a project that has already gone through a rigorous public approval process. The project was discussed in four public meetings starting in June 2023, and culminated in an approval months later in October, 2023. The council read and heard hundreds of public comments before making its decision.
As a place of worship, this project qualifies for federal and state protections for religious exercise. Wasatch County's strong desire to balance property rights of the neighbors, property rights of the applicant, and religious freedom resulted in an approval process that allowed the County to raise issues and address them in a manner that has been mutually agreeable to the county and the applicant. Some public comments against the project urged the County to infringe on religious freedom of expression and would have negatively impacted the functionality of the Heber Valley Temple.
All of the following issues (and many more) have been considered and addressed to the satisfaction of every official institution and expert involved in the approval of the project:
Aggressive lighting protections resulting in innovative solutions and one of the most dark-sky compliant temples in the world that is also consistent with County standards.
Water resources will be utilized in a prudent and lawful manner with little to no impact on wells or flooding.
Traffic analysis for Center Street approved by Heber City and traffic consultants.
Building heights mitigated by setbacks much greater than required for other projects in Wasatch County.
The Council found that the project would enhance the quality of life in Wasatch County. The approval requires abundant landscaping, architectural features, trails, and is more rigorous on design materials than other projects approved by the County. A temple is allowed in the zone, but unique aspects of the project, such as unusual parking needs, and not requiring a road between the temple and its parking lot to promote safety, led the council to approve the project legislatively.
Wasatch County stands by the approval process for the Heber Valley Temple project, and maintains that the project, as approved, will promote the general welfare.
For those who would like to know where I stand on the subject, I’d like to make it clear that I am confident that the process was fair. It’s unfortunate that a few folks want to attempt to prolong or reverse the decision that has been made because they’re unhappy with the final decision. At the end of the day, our community values religious freedom, property rights, and the County's over well-being. I hope we can all move forward in a manner that is respectful of our differences.
December Meetings
Over the last several meetings, we have worked through the budget process and approved the proposed budget without tax increases in the general fund. No other increases were needed, except for a $24/year increase for a $1,600,000 home (average value in 2023) for the County Library to prepare for future capital costs and a new employee.
We heard from many concerned citizens about an increase in taxes, especially those on fixed incomes. These issues are of the upmost importance to me, and I am working diligently with staff on ways we can ensure that those who have been in the valley for decades do not get displaced.
Having said that, I also appreciate the efforts of the county manager’s office to create the budget in a transparent and effective way.
Here is the link for the final approved budget:
Merry Christmas From The Searles
On a personal note, the Searles had a beautiful 2023. We welcomed our son, Benson Ridge Searle, and we feel blessed beyond measure.
I hope everyone can celebrate this season of giving with loved ones and friends. Thank you for your ongoing support as we navigate the many exciting new things happening in Wasatch County.
Sincerely,
Luke Searle
Wasatch County Council
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