March 2025 Newsletter

Hey everyone,

I know it’s been a while since I’ve sent out a newsletter, but I wanted to check in and give you an update on what’s been happening in Wasatch county and what’s coming up. My goal is to keep you informed, be upfront about the issues we’re working on, and make sure you have a chance to be involved. Here are a few key things to know:

County General Plan Update – We Need Your Input!

The county is working on updating the Wasatch County General Plan, which will guide decisions on growth, roads, and open space for years to come. This plan hasn’t had a major overhaul in over 20 years, so it’s critical that we get it right – your input is a big part of that. Please take a few minutes to fill out this initial survey, share it with your neighbors, and stay tuned for more surveys, meetings, and other chances to weigh in in the near future! We need to hear from as many people as possible to make sure this plan truly represents our county’s needs.

Survey Link

End of 2024 Recap: Budget, Senior Tax Relief, and SB 197

At the end of last year, we approved the 2024 budget, making sure we’re investing in things that matter while keeping spending in check. We did not increase property taxes in any of our budgets. A couple of key highlights:

• New snow plows to keep up with winter road maintenance.

• Funding for a new County Administration Building, designed to last and serve our community well into the future—just like the one built in 1969 has.

We also worked to increase the income limit for senior property tax relief, making sure more seniors could qualify for help staying in their homes. Unfortunately, right after that, the Utah Legislature passed SB 197, which wiped out that income-based tax relief statewide. I fought against this with many others, and I’m still working with our clerk/auditor and staff on ways to help our amazing seniors, while staying conscientious of all of our tax payers. Governor Cox subsequently vetoed SB 197, and it did not pass the legislature with a veto proof majority. The county is going to move forward with our new county abatement program. We will share details in the near future, just note that the application window will begin in May.

See the 2024 Approved Budget Here:

Approved Budget

County Council Retreat – Looking Ahead

At the end of March, the council had our council retreat, where we set priorities for the coming year. It was a good time to step back, look at what’s working, and make sure we’re headed in the right direction. I appreciate everyone who reaches out with questions, concerns, and ideas. If there’s something you want to discuss, let me know—I’m happy to chat. Let’s keep working together to make Wasatch County a great place to live!

All the best,

Luke Searle

Wasatch County Council