04 21 2025 RAPZ COMMITTEE

The Cache County RAPZ Committee convened on June 13, 2025, to review and recommend funding allocations for nearly 100 applications submitted under the RAPZ (Recreation, Arts, Parks, and Zoo) tax program. The committee discussed various funding requests from municipalities, nonprofits, and cultural organizations, including capital improvement projects, operating budgets, and event support. Key procurement-related decisions included approving partial or full funding for projects such as trail studies, park improvements, theater companies, and community events. The committee also addressed budget constraints, noting a decrease in restaurant tax revenue and the need to reduce total recommended awards by approximately $200,000 to align with available funds. They deliberated on funding criteria, emphasizing the importance of applicant cost-sharing and the impact on tourism and local economy. The committee recommended allocating up to 10% of RAPZ funds to the local zoo, pending further review of its financial viability. Several projects were partially funded or deferred to balance the budget, and the committee planned to forward their recommendations to the county council for final approval. The meeting included discussions on application scoring, funding equity among municipalities, and the need for improved reporting and data collection from funded entities to assess impact and guide future allocations.