Thousands not paying bill for Unified Police service (Thank you Salt Lake County Democrats!)

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Is there a revolt brewing in unincorporated Salt Lake County? The County reports 12,900 people have not paid their 2nd bill for the police service. Many of those also did not pay the first bill earlier this year.

The county estimates the total amount delinquent: $1.7 million.

The controversial fee was instituted to cover an estimated $13-million budget shortfall for the new, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake. Residents pay a flat fee three times a year, but business owners pay a varied rate based on type of business.

The official explanation for the delinquencies from Salt Lake County officials: People just do not understand the new fee. Another possible explanation: The bad economy. Those same officials discount the idea of a protest.

While Howard Stephenson of the Utah Taxpayers Association has not heard of an organized tax protest, he said anger over the fee is understandable. While not opposed to all fees, Stephenson said the association has opposed the police fee from the beginning. "Water and sewer? That's fine. Garbage? That's fine. If I use three dumpsters, then charge me for them. But Police protection? That's a common good that ought to be billed uniformly through the property tax and the sales tax, not through a user fee," said Stephenson.

The Utah Taxpayer Association is asking for donations to fund a legal challenge to the county's police fee. Stephenson said, "We would be alleging that the county does not have the authority to impose -- under the constitution -- this type of user fee."

In the meantime, the county is hoping to reduce the number of delinquencies. While the late fee on payments was waved the first time, it will not be waved this time. Homeowners have until the end of August to pay up before a 10% penalty is imposed.

If that doesn't work, the county could also yank the business licenses of non-paying companies or place a lien on the homes of residents who refuse to pay.