Friends and neighbors,
It’s election season! Both Midway and Heber City have city council seats up for grabs, and due to a special election for the 2nd Congressional District, all election dates have been pushed back. That means the general election is Tuesday, November 21, and ballots should be mailed out next week. If you live in municipal boundaries, please take the time to research and get to know the candidates. Here are two opportunities to meet them:
Heber Valley October Chamber Luncheon
Midway Boosters Meet the Candidates Night
Proposition 9 The County Council recently authorized Proposition 9 to be brought before Wasatch County citizens for a vote, and I support it being put on the ballot. Proposition 9 allows for funds to be put toward emergency medical services and also partially funds fire facilities. Our first responders deserve competitive compensation for the vital services they provide. To offset the cost for residents, Proposition 9 is proposed as a sales tax increase of just .5% rather than a property tax hike. Those that visit Wasatch County should help shoulder the costs of these services, and this is one way to accommodate that. Learn more about the initiative here. Temple Project Update A planning commission meeting is set for Wednesday, October 25, and the public is invited to attend and make comments. This can be done in person at the Wasatch Senior Center or virtually. The agenda packet link is here, and the link for the virtual option is here. County Happenings I recently had breakfast with some of our senior citizens to speak with them about the great services and activities the Senior Center has to offer. It was a wonderful morning that underscored how fortunate we are to have a place that provides support to those who have done so much to serve our community.
I also went on a ride-along this month with one of our fine sheriff’s deputies and toured our jail facilities, gaining valuable insights into their daily challenges. Interacting with these brave men and women gave me an even greater appreciation for what they do. I appreciate Sheriff Rigby for his exemplary leadership, and I look forward to seeing justice center improvements that are being discussed. Further, I briefly met one of the hearing officers for the Board of Equalization appeals, where they hear from any property owner in the county. This is an important part of the process for tax assessment and collection, and our Clerk/Auditor’s office has made great strides in expediting the hearing of these appeals. These diverse experiences all proved how robust our community support systems are and reaffirmed my appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the people in Wasatch County.
Upcoming Events
Heber Halloween Fest will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 27. This is one of my favorite community events you won’t want to miss.
There is a Winter Clothing Drive happening now until November 11. The clothes will be distributed at our community Thanksgiving dinner on November 18 at 4 p.m. If you can help, please visit one of the drop-off sites listed below.
The Wasatch County Library will soon host the Smithsonian Institute's Crossroads: Changes in Rural America from November 4 to January 14, 2024.
There are quite a few ways to stay busy this fall, and I encourage everyone to take advantage! Have a wonderful autumn season. Thank you, Luke Searle Wasatch County Council
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