Understanding the Proposition 13 rural healthcare sales tax Grand County Utah
Proposition 13 rural healthcare sales tax Grand County Utah is a critical measure that all voters in the area will decide on November 4, 2025. This ballot initiative would increase the rural healthcare sales tax from 0.5% to 1.0% to support essential emergency and healthcare services. The measure will secure vital funding for three critical local health and emergency service providers: Grand County EMS, Moab Valley Fire District, and Canyonlands Care Center (via the Canyonlands Healthcare Special Services District, which funds the long-term care facility and provides resources for other critical healthcare needs).
The Moab Healthcare Foundation has created a comprehensive information page at https://mhfmoab.org/vote-yes-prop-13 with details about this important initiative.
Here are some key points:
Proposition 13 would increase the rural healthcare sales tax one half percent from one-half percent (0.5%) to one percent (1.0%), a limit set by the state.
This increase equates to just $.5 for every $10 spent on taxable items like hotel rooms, restaurant dining, gift shop purchases. Essentials like groceries, fuel, utilities, and prescriptions are exempt.
Visitors pay 70% of the tax, according to the Ken C. Gardner Policy Institute, but our community receives millions for essential services.
Funds will primarily benefit Grand County EMS, Moab Valley Fire District, and Canyonlands Care Center as intended on 8/19/25 by the Grand County Commissioners.
Proposition 13 is about peace of mind. It ensures that when you call 911, help is always available. Or when fires break out, crews have the right equipment and gear. And when your senior needs a place to be, they can find it close to home.
Passing Proposition 13 is about choosing investment in people—in safety, care, and compassion in everyday life here in Grand County. These important entities show up for us, now it’s our turn to show up for them.
Please join us in voting yes for Proposition 13 on November 4th, or via mail-in ballots mailed out October 14th. Mail-in ballots must be received by November 4th rather than postmarked by November 4 due to a new 2025 state law.
We invite you to learn more about the common misconceptions about how these entities are funded, as well as how these generated funds will be used, at mhfmoab.org/vote-yes-prop-13
Beth Logan, Board Chair
Moab Healthcare Foundation
Appreciate the coverage? Help keep local news alive.
Chip in to support the Moab Sun News.