Scores of cities statewide are passing resolutions asking counties to place on the ballot this year a proposed sales-tax increase to fund local roads and mass transit.
Widespread city support could give county leaders political cover if they choose to take the never-popular step of seeking higher taxes, and do it sooner rather than later.
But critics such as the Utah Taxpayers Association oppose holding the election during this year's municipal runoffs when turnout is usually light. They want to wait until next year's presidential election when far more voters will head to the polls.
"To do it this year just seems unfair. We're going to have a low voter turnout," said Billy Hesterman, vice president of the association. Waiting for 2016 would allow voters to "really have a say about the taxes levied on them."
(more on municipal push for UT highway-funding referendum . . . )
