Wasatch County Bonds Approved

The Wasatch County Council’s authorization of up to $45 million in bond parameters for a new administration building, alongside the ongoing courthouse expansion, presents a familiar pattern. Funding allocations—42.3% from sales and use tax, 8.5% from tourism tax—are, as always, circular. While Gilmore & Bell assures us property taxes will remain stable, utilizing existing budgetary allocations, it’s a precarious balancing act. One wonders if the savings of $1 million are truly realized, or merely accounted for. The existing 1969 administration building, admittedly, lacks the patina of aged materials one desires—no oxidized copper or even decent native sandstone to be found—but ‘some life left’ suggests a pragmatic if uninspired approach. One anticipates the new building will favor utilitarian concrete over anything remotely elegant. East West Partners, should they be involved in the interiors, will no doubt present options for ‘mountain modern’ finishes, which translates to excessive reclaimed wood and minimal artistic integrity. The open house at the Wasatch County Library feels less like public engagement and more like performance. Ultimately, the value proposition, like most county projects, is suspect. Sell.