WEST BOUNTIFUL -- The RAP tax in West Bountiful is about to get a second look from the city. Mayor James Behunin has decided that the opposed Recreation, Arts and Parks (RAP) tax that failed by two votes to pass should be put back on the ballot for the city when residents vote this November. "I don't think the people were properly educated on the RAP tax when it was last placed on the ballot," said Behunin. "If the public knows exactly what the RAP tax does and where the money is going, then I suspect it won't be voted down next time."

The initial thought behind the RAP tax was that a small increase in sales tax in approved cities could use that money in order to create the South Davis Regional Theater. Because it was thought that the sole purpose of the increase would go toward the theater, West Bountiful and Woods Cross voted the taxation down.

During the past few months, however, Behunin discovered that the slight tax increase didn't have to go toward the theater, but could also help aid their parks and recreational areas as well.

"Citizens from our city are paying towards the RAP tax when they go to other cities," he said. "When someone from our city buys something in Centerville, they are paying that small percentage of taxes that goes towards their arts building, but also their parks and recreational facilities."

Behunin also mentioned that when someone comes to West Bountiful and spends their money somewhere in the West Bountiful Commons area, the city simply collects the sales tax, which also means nothing goes towards their recreational facilities. With future plans to upgrade the park as well as other recreational areas, Behunin stated that the RAP tax will benefit their needs should it pass.

Council member Debbie McKean stated a few months ago that the city wants to upgrade their own park, adding more play areas for children while placing more benches in areas where parents can watch them while relaxing.

"It's something we've wanted to do for a while," she said. "If we're able to upgrade the park, it will be for entertaining the children and create a more relaxed environment for parents and adults."

Behunin stated that if the RAP tax passed in the city, they would have seen roughly $275,000 in funding up to now. With the knowledge the city has now, he is hopeful that the previously voted down initiative will pass if and when it is placed on the ballot come November.

"We should identify where we're going to put the taxed money," he said. "With the proper knowledge about the tax to the citizens of the city, I'm sure the initiative would pass this time around."



sgillet@davisclipper.com