By City Manager Dustin Lewis
have asked for consistently and that reects our commitment to responsive, service-oriented government. is new o ce allows residents to apply for new passports and have photos taken right here in South Jordan, reducing the need to travel to neighboring cities and making the process more convenient for families, seniors, and working professionals alike.
ing practical, everyday services that support the way residents live, work, and plan for the future; whether that means international travel, educational opportunities, or family connections. It’s also about operating e ciently, providing excellent customer service, and making smart use of existing facilities and sta expertise.
One of the most important responsibilities of city government is listening, really listening, to what residents tell us they need, and then making thoughtful, responsible decisions about how to deliver those services. When a request comes up again and again over many years, it’s a clear signal that it’s worth serious consideration.
For South Jordan, local access to passport services has been one of those long-standing requests.
I’m pleased to share that the South Jordan Passport O ce is now open, providing a new amenity that residents
"South Jordan remains focused on delivering services that are well-planned, well-managed, and shaped by resident input."
is addition aligns with the City’s broader strategic priorities, which are set by the City Council—your elected representatives— based on community needs, long-term planning, and scal responsibility. ese priorities guide how the City allocates taxpayer dollars and ensure that public funds are invested in programs and services that deliver clear value to residents.
At its core, the passport o ce is about quality of life. It’s about o er-
As South Jordan continues to grow, we remain focused on delivering services that make our city not just bigger, but better. at means o ering services that are well-planned, well-managed, and shaped by resident input. e passport o ce is a strong example of how community feedback, City Council direction, and strategic investment come together to create meaningful outcomes.
We’re proud to o er this long-requested service and will continue working to ensure South Jordan remains a city that listens, plans carefully, and delivers for its residents.
transportation & zoo/arts.
What your City taxes pay for... and what they don’t. $ $
Understanding how your city sales and property taxes are used can be confusing, especially when multiple government agencies provide services in the same area. In South Jordan, we want to make it easy for residents to understand where their tax dollars go, and just as importantly, where they don’t go.
TA X E DUCATION 101 TA TAX EEDUCDUCATION 101
While your property tax bill comes as one number, that amount is divided among several different agencies. South Jordan City receives only a portion of it, and we use those funds to provide the services residents rely on every day. Sales tax revenues are also divided among multiple entities: the State, the county, transit,
The following is a straightforward explanation of what your City taxes support, based on some of the most common questions and misunderstandings we hear.
What Your City Taxes Do Pay For
Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services
These are among the highest-priority services for residents that the City provides. Your tax dollars ensure quick response times, highly trained public safety professionals, and 24/7 protection. All property taxes paid
by residents covers 100% of Police services and approximately 19% of Fire services, remaining 81% of Fire services are paid for by sales tax dollars.
Roads, Streets, and Traffic Safety
South Jordan maintains neighborhood roadways, fills potholes, plows snow on City-owned streets, manages traffic calming, and keeps signs and signals functioning. These services are largely paid for by sales tax dollars. (Major highways like Bangerter, Mountain View Corridor, and Redwood Road are owned and maintained by UDOT, not the City.)
Parks, Trails, Open Space, and City Amenities
From playgrounds and sports fields to the Gale Museum and Community Center, City sales taxes fund ongoing maintenance and operations that keep these amenities clean, safe, and welcoming.
City Operations and Customer Service
Your sales tax dollars support public information, records, permitting, financial management, emergency communications, and the staff who make daily City services possible.
City Provided, Funded by Fees
Garbage & Recycling
South Jordan’s garbage and recycling services are funded entirely by resident fees, not general taxes. Through a contract with Ace Recycling & Disposal, the City provides weekly curbside pickup and maintains more than 20,000 garbage cans and 17,000 recycling cans. These fees also support neighborhood cleanup dumpsters, glass recycling, and seasonal leaf and tree drop-off programs.
Water & Stormwater Service
Paid for with your City taxes
• Police
• Fire / EMS
• City-owned Streets
• Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces
• Recreation
City services you pay for through fees, not taxes
• Garbage & Recycling
• Water &
Stormwater Services
Programs
• City Operations
• Licensing & Permitting
Licensing & Permitting
Generally, any type of permitting, such as business licensing, building permits, and special events, is paid for with fees.
What Your City Taxes Do Not Pay For
Many services people associate with the City actually come from other agencies or organizations. Here are the most common examples:
Behind the scenes, these systems protect homes, businesses, and roads. Funding helps prevent flooding, manage stormwater, and keep systems functioning properly. South Jordan manages the water infrastructure and billing, which is paid for through utility billing fees (Your monthly bill from the city).
Sewer
Your sewer services are provided by the Jordan Basin Improvement District (Formerly known as South Valley Sewer) and your bills come directly from them.
Schools & Education
The largest share of your property tax bill goes to Jordan School District, not the City.
County Library System
All library funding, including the South Jordan & Daybreak Libraries, are provided by Salt Lake County Library Services.
Not City services - funded by other agencies
• Sewer
• Schools
• Salt Lake County Library Services
• Highways & Major
• TRAX, Frontrunner, Buses Roads
• HOA Services
• Private Utilities: Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet / TV Providers
Knowing who provides what service helps:
• Reduce confusion
• Direct concerns to the right agency
TRAX, FrontRunner, and UTA Transit Transit services are funded and
Don’t want to drive on winter roads? Use UTA On Demand to connect to TRAX, FrontRunner, or other destinations in South Jordan. The fare is only $2.50. Schedule a ride by downloading the app ‘UTA On Demand’.
• Improve response times
• Build understanding and trust
• Ensure you get the help you need faster
Learn more on our Tax Education
101 page.
