Charities Prevail in Utah Ruling

The Salt Lake County Commission may continue to award contracts to charities that provide social services to indigent residents, a judge has ruled.

Third District Judge Robert Hilder rejected arguments by County Attorney Doug Short that the contracts were tantamount to gifts of taxpayer funds to the groups and, therefore, violated local and state laws prohibiting the county from giving money to a person or private enterprise.

Mr. Short, who has said he plans to appeal the ruling, had argued that the commission was giving away taxpayer money without receiving any benefit, since there was no proof that those receiving assistance from the charities were being helped. He said the judge’s ruling, issued this month, was an invitation for all non-profit organizations to seek funds from the county.