To fully understand the implications of the $71 million bond that will appear on the ballot in November, the entire funding process in Summit County needs to be examined.
The Snyderville Basin Recreation District is comprised solely of the unincorporated areas of the Snyderville Basin, primarily the 84098 ZIP code. Only those living within the district can vote on any proposed bond and will consequently be responsible for the fees imposed. Residents of Park City proper (84060 ZIP code), don’t get to vote on a bond proposed by the district and don’t pay the fees if the bond is passed.
Last July, the Snyderville Basin Recreation District proposed a $150 million bond to build two entirely new facilities in Jeremy Ranch and Silver Creek Village. This request represented 1,116% of their proposed 2026 overall budget.
At the time we were told the “average” homeowner with a residence worth $700,000 would pay $207 annually. This statement is somewhat irrelevant, as according to Zillow the median home price in the 84098 zip code is $1.43 million.
After intense public outcry, the district dropped its request to $71 million. This amount represents 528% of the district’s proposed 2026 annual budget.
The Summit County Council has since voted unanimously to place the bond on our November ballot. Keep in mind Snyderville Basin residents will be paying for this bond whether or not they use any of the services or facilities.
The district is going to great lengths to get this bond passed. I recently saw a film crew and assumedly Robert Parrish, Basin Recreation’s executive director, outside the Fieldhouse filming a promotion for the bond request. The filming took place at noon, probably the busiest time at the Fieldhouse, to emphasize the “overuse” of the facility. Don’t be swayed by such manipulative measures.
So, what do the residents of 84098 get if this bond is approved? Precious little, actually. Besides the taxes and previous district bond measures already passed (76.4% of total revenue), the current Fieldhouse is the primary driver of revenue (12.3%). People living outside of the district, including Park City residents, do pay more for day passes and drop-in class passes at the Fieldhouse than those living within the district. However, if nonresidents decide to purchase a one-month, three-month, six-month, or annual pass, there is no premium charge.
Mr. Parrish cited large development projects such as Altus/Dakota Pacific as a primary driver of the need for additional facilities. Think of what an unholy alliance this creates.
The Summit County Council, by approving Altus/Dakota Pacific out of fear of actions the state might take, set a precedent where it will be nearly impossible to justify denying every other proposed development. Such development creates justification for the district and other county services to request larger budgets and bond measures. The county approves the district’s budget and determines which bond measures get on the ballot.
I am expected to pay a total of $720 for Basin Recreation regular budget and two existing bond measures this year alone. In addition to the $71 million Recreation District bond, Mountain Regional Water Special Service District is requesting the County Council approve a $20 million plan to expand the treatment plant. This will be paid for by annual increases to our water bill, projected to amount to 32% by 2032, according to Mountain Regional’s own data.
Enough is enough. We are being taxed to death. The residents of Summit County obviously can’t control every action that increases our taxes, but in this particular instance we certainly can. I will be voting no on this bond measure and urge everyone to do the same.
Perhaps Summit County and Basin Recreation should consider following Park City Council’s actions regarding the Park City Golf Club, a municipal facility. In May 2025 they established a different fee structure for nonresidents. Even though your mailing address might be Park City, if you live outside of the Park City municipal limits, you will currently pay nearly 70% more than a resident ($122 versus $72 for 18 holes with a cart).
This approach might be reminiscent of post World War II Berlin, but if the county wants to slow access to public services and raise additional revenue without further burdening taxpayers, it might be necessary.
Vincent A. “Van” Novack
Snyderville