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Transit Utility Fee

 

Dear South Salt Lake Business Community,

 

Over the past week, we have heard from many businesses regarding the Transportation Utility Fee. We want to begin by acknowledging the questions and feedback that have been shared with us, and to reaffirm that the Chamber is listening closely.

 

The Transportation Utility Fee is intended to support the maintenance and operation of city road infrastructure and related transportation assets. Rather than outlining those details here, we encourage you to review the City’s information directly, which we have linked for your reference.

 

Based on what we have heard from businesses across South Salt Lake, the Chamber is opposed to the Transportation Utility Fee. The message from our business community has been clear: this fee represents a significant and immediate financial burden. We understand that every dollar matters, especially at a time when businesses are already navigating rising costs, staffing challenges, and economic uncertainty. We believe this fee, as implemented, places an undue strain on local businesses, and we have shared this perspective with the city council and city executives.

 

We also believe that if a transportation utility fee is determined to be necessary, the burden should be shared equitably among all road users, including residents and businesses alike. Residents contribute significantly to road use and wear, and spreading the cost across all users would help reduce the disproportionate impact on businesses that already contribute heavily to the city’s tax base and local economy.

 

The message from our business community has been clear: this fee represents a real financial impact. We understand that every dollar plays a role in keeping a business operating, especially during a time when running a business already comes with no shortage of challenges.

South Salt Lake is a robust, quirky, and active city, and much of what makes it so vibrant comes from its businesses. Local grocery stores, neighborhood breweries, print shops, auto services, restaurants, and makers of all kinds are what give the city its flavor and create places where people gather and connect. Many businesses also contribute beyond their storefronts by supporting the workforce, offering internships, investing in professional development, and helping create career pathways for our youth. The Chamber itself would not be what it is today without the many businesses that have chosen to participate, engage, and invest in this organization over the years. Because of that, we take our role as a connector and advocate seriously. 

 

We value our strong, collaborative relationship with the City of South Salt Lake and remain committed to working constructively with City leadership while advocating for our businesses. Our goal is to help move this conversation forward in a way that supports both a healthy business community and a thriving city.

 

Over the past two years, the Chamber has gone back to the drawing board many times to reassess where our focus, programming, and initiatives should be. Much of that work has been shaped by direct input and feedback from businesses. We want to continue expanding on this approach and ensure that the Chamber reflects what our business community truly needs, whether or not you are currently a Chamber member. We cannot do that without your input.

 

We want to hear your experiences, your feedback, and your needs. We want to build community by bringing businesses together to share perspectives, raise questions, and help shape solutions. We won’t have all the answers, and we won’t solve everything at once, but we can listen, learn, and determine meaningful steps to support you.

As a Board, we’ve identified some initial areas of focus and action. This matters because access to information, resources, and dialogue directly impacts a business’s ability to plan, respond, and be heard. Our goals are to provide support, help connect businesses to the right people and information earlier, and strengthen the Chamber’s ability to advocate effectively on your behalf.

 

Steps we encourage businesses to take:

If you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with the Transportation Utility Fee by reviewing the City’s website. Confirm that your assessed fee is accurate. A staff-level administrative review is available prior to initiating a formal appeal. For questions related to property size, use type, or exemption status, contact Utility Billing at 801-483-6000 or submit an inquiry through the City’s online form.

 

What the Chamber is doing to support businesses:

  • We will be creating a targeted newsletter that will be sent out as needed, specifically when there are upcoming Planning Commission or City Council agenda items that may impact businesses. This newsletter will outline relevant meeting dates, times, and topics so you know when engagement may be important, and we will also provide summaries or key takeaways from meetings for those who are unable to attend. 

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  • We will be launching South Salt Lake Business Connect Sessions to provide a respectful, productive space for businesses to communicate concerns, ask questions, and connect with one another. These sessions will begin on a quarterly basis, and we will work alongside businesses to determine whether they should be held more frequently based on interest and need. For the Chamber, these gatherings are an opportunity to better understand challenges and opportunities so we can effectively amplify business voices and advocate where needed.

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  • We invite businesses to submit questions, concerns, or frustrations through a Chamber form. There will be an option to keep submissions confidential, which the Chamber will honor.

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We encourage you to take advantage of the business resources we have shared. These partners are vetted by the Chamber and offer support ranging from financial assistance and budgeting tools to training and technical guidance.

 

As we navigate this together, please know that this process will continue to evolve, guided by your feedback. The Chamber is committed to listening, advocating, and doing what we can to reduce barriers and support South Salt Lake’s business community.

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With appreciation,

 

South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce

Tereza Bagdasarova & Board of Directors

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