Salt Lake County Approves 2026 Budget With Near-15% Tax Hike, Sets May Closure of County Day Cares

Overview

• The County Council voted 8-1 to adopt the 2026 budget, approving a roughly 15% property tax increase in the county’s first hike since 2019.
• About $12.4 million in reductions were adopted, including nearly $968,000 removed from county-run day care programs.
• The four county-operated centers in Magna, Kearns, Millcreek and Salt Lake City will close by the end of May 2026, with tuition set to rise 20% in January until closure.
• The centers serve more than 250 families at lower cost than private options, and public hearings drew overflow crowds urging the council to preserve the services.
• Renovation of the Tenth East Senior Center will continue as the county pursues outside partners for ongoing operations, drawing concern from seniors and support from Mayor Jenny Wilson.