It’s election season, and among the choices of presidential, senate and congressional candidates there also stand several policies for voters to decide on. One of those policies is the renewal of the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) Tax in Price.

Taxes are always a hot-button issue, with it consistently being one of the most heated topics among citizens. Despite claims on social media that this is a new tax or an increased tax, the ZAP tax has been in place for  18 years at a consistent rate of one-tenth of one percent, or one penny out of every $10 spent in sales tax.

Castle Country Radio spoke with Price City Council Member Terry Willis to discuss some of what the tax has funded, with Willis stating,” Some of the things that the ZAP tax has already helped fund is the Price City Wave Pool replaster and the indoor pool redo. It’s paid for the Washington Park tennis courts over time, the Pavilion Kitchen at Washington Park, bathrooms all over the park system, the outdoor pump park that we built in 2020, the Atwood Baseball Complex, and the other softball fields and the baseball fields get quite a bit of ZAP Tax money.”

One aspect of the ZAP tax that Willis spoke on is the wide tax base that it provides,” it’s paid for not just by Price City residents, but everyone who shops within the Price community. So, people from Emery County, people from Salt Lake, people from Germany, people who are passing through who are spending money in our community are helping pay for the upkeep and maintenance of our parks.”

A list of planned projects the city has that will be funded through the ZAP tax was included in a news release sent out by Price City. Those projects include pickleball courts at Washington Park, a repave of the Cove Basin Trail and a new playground at Rose Park.

Looking at the potential consequences if the tax is not renewed, residents of Price City could see a steep increase of up to 33% in property taxes to make up the revenue provided by the ZAP tax. Discontinuation could also lead to the closure of services and facilities within the city.

For those who are interested in learning more about the ZAP tax, Price City will be hosting an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Price City Hall. This provides citizens the chance to talk with a council member about the tax and to share ideas of what they would like to see done with the ZAP tax funds.