This year, residents of Weber County will have the opportunity to vote on whether to continue the one-cent recreation tax that is used to fund recreation, arts, museums and parks, also known as “RAMP.”
RAMP receives one-cent for every $10 spent on recreation in Weber County. This is "anything fun," RAMP Staff Secretary, Shelly Halacy said, including going to the movies, bowling, etc.
The RAMP tax began in 2004 and has been used to fund recreation opportunities throughout Weber County. For example, the summer RAMP program provides free admission to local attractions, such as the Dinosaur Park, the Treehouse Museum, and movies at the Egyptian Theater.
RAMP funds are also used to issue grants for projects that otherwise would not have the money to complete. Some of these projects have included the Weber County Sports Complex, the Hope Community Center, and the North Ogden Amphitheater.
In 2014 alone, RAMP has issued 60 grants totaling over $2,327,000 dollars. Halacy highlighted several of these projects including $200,000 to the Dee Community Center, $60,000 to the Plain City Pioneer Park project, and $94,390 for renovating park restrooms in North Ogden.
The Weber County RAMP website lists additional projects including a $100,000 award to West Haven for several trail projects, and $3000 to purchase backdrops for the Ogden Amphitheater.
In an interview with the Standard Examiner, RAMP chair Meg Naisbitt, said, "RAMP puts the needs of Weber Country first and enhances the wonderful organizations that strive to provide excellence with opportunity and diversity for all."
With the question of whether or not to continue the tax on the ballot in November, there is a concern that voters may reject the continuance of the RAMP tax. During the 2004 election, the RAMP tax narrowly passed with only 50.6 percent of voters supporting the measure.
Since the beginning, the RAMP tax has remained at one cent per $10 spent. Halacy said it has never increased and there are no plans to ever increase it.
