June Community Newsletter

Hello friends & neighbors,

I hope everyone is enjoying the start of Summer. Below are some updates that I’d like to share with you.

Applications Open: New Property Tax Relief for Seniors

Earlier this year, the Wasatch County Council approved a new property tax abatement program to support seniors, who are feeling the pressure of rising housing costs. This new program was designed to help those who don’t qualify for the state’s Circuit Breaker program and are still struggling to keep up.

It applies to primary homeowners who are 66 or older, with annual income between $42,642 and $63,934. This is a group that often falls through the cracks, folks who have lived here for decades, contributed to the fabric of our valley, and now find themselves just over the income limit for this tax relief.

We’re working with the County Clerk/Auditor’s Office, our Senior Center and community partners to make sure every eligible resident hears about this before the September 1st deadline. If you’re unsure whether you qualify or have questions, I encourage you to call the Clerk/Auditor’s Office at 435-657-3190. They’ll help walk you through it.

Apply today or share this with someone who might benefit!

Tax Relief

Planning for the Future of Parks & Rec

When I ran for office, I promised to support meaningful investment in our community and not just in roads and buildings, but in the parks, trails, and gathering spaces that make this valley feel like home.

This kind of investment isn’t always something that the government should do alone. I’ve worked to strengthen partnerships with nonprofits and community groups, people who care deeply and can do great things that the government sometimes shouldn’t. To keep our community strong and preserve the way it’s always felt, we also need leadership that helps us look ahead.

We’ve made real progress and now’s the time to keep pressing forward, not just to protect what we’ve built, but to take it even further. We need clear plans for the future, shaped with public input and backed by specific objectives that we revisit each year. We need to do this in a smart, responsible way and do so without increasing the cost of living for our taxpayers. We need vision to meet the challenges ahead and work with the great Parks and Rec staff team in their mission to serve our community. If visitors like it too, great—however, our focus must remain on the people who live, work, and raise families here!

As our current Parks & Recreation Director prepares to retire after many years of dedicated service, Wasatch County is now hiring for this critical role. We’re looking for someone who brings vision, accountability, and collaboration. Someone who seeks out and works well with others, including nonprofits, cities, and entities that may have slightly different goals. Someone who will work actively with the County Council to help set and meet shared objectives year after year. The deadline for this position is Friday, June 27th.

Job Posting

Jordanelle Listening Town Hall – June 25

Let’s talk about the future of Jordanelle—together.

This community-led town hall is part of an ongoing effort I’ve been proud to help support alongside residents in the Jordanelle area, Kim Dickerson from the school board, and representatives from the County Council, Jordanelle Special Service District, Town of Hideout, and others. Our goal is to host these gatherings to check in, share updates, and hear from residents and tax payers in the area.

• Location: Retreat at Jordanelle Clubhouse

• Date: Wednesday, June 25 at 6:00 pm

• Moderated by: Nikki Keye, Jordanelle resident

• With invited guests from local government and service districts

Topics include:

• Growth and development concerns

• Traffic, access, and infrastructure

• What you love about Jordanelle (and what you’d like to see improved)

I won’t be able to attend this time, but I strongly encourage you to go and share your voice. These conversations only work when the people who live, work, and invest in this area participate.

RSVP here:

RSVP

Zoom option available at the same link for those who can’t attend in person.

State Delegate Update and GOP Leadership

This year, I had the opportunity to serve as a state delegate and participate in selecting the Utah GOP’s new leadership team. It was an important year for the direction of our party—and I’m proud to report that Wasatch County had one of the best attendance records in the entire state.Congratulations to the new Wasatch GOP leadership team as well. I look forward to working with them in the years ahead as we continue to serve our residents and move our community forward.

I love providing these updates, but remember that the best way to stay informed about what’s happening in Wasatch County Government is by following our social media accounts. Be sure to connect with us there for all of the happenings this summer! 

Your County Councilman,

Luke Searle