Fair warning, Salt Lakers. Your property taxes and utilities could be going up in July.

Why it matters: As the cost of virtually everything rises, residents could feel further strain on their wallets.

The big picture: The proposed increases, part of Mayor Mendenhall's budget plan, come as inflation drives up the cost of providing basic services.

• Aging infrastructure needs to be repaired, like the city's three drinking water and sewage treatment plants, which are more than 70 years old.

By the numbers: Mendenhall's proposed 12.5% property tax hike translates to an additional $10 per month for a home valued at $624,000.

• The increase would generate $13.5 million, which would go toward hiring more firefighters, maintaining public lands, capital improvement projects and more.

And that's not the only hike Mendenhall is pitching. Monthly utility rates would also go up about $32:

• Sewer (average indoor use): +$11
• Street lighting: +$2.60
• Stormwater: +$1.75
• Water (low use): +$14.37
• Garbage collection (64-gallon can): +$2.77

What they're saying: "We exhausted every other option before proposing increases," Mendenhall told Salt Lake City Council members last week, adding that the alternative was laying off city employees, cutting services or delaying infrastructure repairs.

Catch up quick: The Salt Lake County Council already approved a 14.65% property tax increase earlier this year to cover rising costs, which equates to $6 a month for the average homeowner.

What's next: City Council members are scheduled to hold public hearings May 19 and June 2 at City Hall before finalizing the budget on June 30.

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Omakase is having a moment here in the high desert, with more options than ever to put your palette in the hands of an expert.

How it works: Omakase — Japanese for "I'll leave it up to you" — is a prix fixe sushi meal where the chef chooses the menu based on what's seasonal, their culinary strengths and, in some cases, your personal tastes.

My thought bubble: I hit Takashi's renowned weekly dinner at Post Office Place, and WOW.

• We were served by Takashi Gibo himself: Salt Lake's own ichthyological hero, who fuses the flavors of his previous, globally opposite homes — Japan and Peru — without a sour note.
• After 19 "bites," including a six-item starter with freshwater crab, squid and cod sperm (yup), our table of new friends left full and happy.

Zoom out: Itto Sushi in Midvale is broadly recommended for its strong omakase experience, as is Mint in Sandy.

• Austin, Texas-based Sushi By Scratch has brought its Michelin-winning omakase to Park City, Gastronomic SLC reports.

The latest: Sushi by Bou is offering omakase at its new downtown location at the former Peery Hotel.

• James Beard-winning Uchi — also from Austin — plans to set up shop in the Granary District next year, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

What's next: Because Erin's daughter was aghast to learn that her parents enjoyed omakase without her at the 21+ Post Office Place, we'll be "leaving it up to" Itto soon, since kids are allowed there.

Make plans

⚖️ Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen abruptly stepped down Friday after state GOP leaders said they would launch an independent probe into an alleged conflict of interest involving Hagen and an attorney who represented the plaintiffs in a high-profile anti-gerrymandering case. (Utah News Dispatch)

• A previous investigation by the Judicial Conduct Commission found the allegations were not credible, and Hagen has denied wrongdoing.
• "My family and friends did not choose public life. They do not deserve to have intensely personal details surrounding the painful dissolution of my 30-year marriage subjected to public scrutiny," Hagen wrote in her resignation letter.

🗣️ Gov. Cox acknowledged his earlier remarks downplaying concerns over a proposed, massive data center in Box Elder County "did not meet expectations." (FOX 13)

Travelers should expect to pay more to park at Salt Lake City International Airport this summer.

By the numbers: Starting July 1, parking in the economy lot will increase from $12 to $14 per day, a nearly 17% increase.

• Garage parking will rise from $40 to $45, a 12.5% jump.

State of play: The hikes are expected address heightened parking demand and increase airport revenue.

The big picture: The move comes as at the tail end of the airport's $5.1 billion renovation, which is set to be completed this fall.

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Record-breaking highs are bringing spring to an end, with temperatures in the 90s early this week.

By the numbers: Highs at the airport are projected to reach 91 today and 94 tomorrow.

• The average highs for those dates are in the low 70s.
• The forecast exceeds Tuesday's record of 92 and matches Monday's record of 91.

The bottom line: Summer is here. Kim will rejoice, and Erin will weep.