A large senior center in Salt Lake City, which is undergoing renovation, is now set to permanently close after a heated, partisan debate over funding in the Salt Lake County Council.

The County Council, which has a slight Republican majority, voted 5-4 along party lines on Tuesday to recommend the closure of the 10th East Senior Center, at 237 S. 1000 East, in Salt Lake City, three years after it approved a $10 million reconstruction of the center. Reconstruction began in September, with approximately $3 million in funds already spent, according to the county.

Those in favor of the measure to close the center argue that it will save the county millions amid difficult budget decisions , while those opposed contend that it squanders millions and betrays public trust.

“I don’t know of a

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