Utah property owners face more than $93.5 million in potential property-tax increases as local governments and taxing entities hold Truth-in-Taxation hearings throughout August.
The Utah Taxpayers Association identified 67 taxing entities proposing a combined $93,580,522 in additional property-tax revenue. Hearings begin August 3 and continue through August 27. These proposals are not final, and taxpayers have an opportunity to express their support, opposition or concerns before elected officials vote on the increases.
“Property-tax increases should never happen on autopilot,” said Billy Hesterman, president of the Utah Taxpayers Association. “Truth-in-Taxation hearings give taxpayers a chance to ask why more revenue is needed, how the money will be spent and whether elected officials considered alternatives. We strongly encourage Utahns to attend and make their voices heard.”
The three largest proposed increases, measured by additional revenue, are:
● Granite School District: $21.1 million in new revenue. The increase would add approximately $125.15 to the annual tax bill on an average $579,000 home. The hearing is August 18 at 6 p.m. at 2500 South State Street in Salt Lake City.
● Salt Lake City: $13.8 million in new revenue. The increase would add approximately $102.46 to the annual tax bill on an average $703,000 home. The hearing is August 11 at 7 p.m. at 451 South State Street, Room 315.
● Cache County School District: $8.6 million in new revenue. The increase would add approximately $210.76 to the annual tax bill on an average $549,000 home. The hearing is August 6 at 6 p.m. at 2035 North 1200 East in North Logan.
Together, these three proposals account for approximately $43.5 million, or nearly 47 percent, of all potential increases included in the Association’s statewide list.
The Association is particularly concerned about entities returning to Truth-in-Taxation hearings year after year. Eleven entities are holding hearings for the fourth consecutive year: Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Granite School District, Harrisville City, Hyde Park City, Midvale City, North View Fire District, Salt Lake City, South Ogden City, West Jordan City, West Valley City and Woods Cross City.
Another nine are holding hearings for the third consecutive year: Canyons School District, Clearfield, Draper City, Ephraim City, Henefer Town, Logan City, Roy City, Springville City and Wellsville City.
“A Truth-in-Taxation hearing is supposed to provide transparency and accountability when a government wants to collect more property-tax revenue,” Hesterman said. “When an entity returns for a third or fourth consecutive year, taxpayers deserve an especially clear explanation. Government should not need to ask residents for additional revenue year after year without presenting a credible long-term plan to control spending.”
The Utah Taxpayers Association encourages residents to review the proposed increase affecting their community, attend the listed hearing and ask officials what programs or services require the additional money, what spending reductions were considered and whether taxpayers should expect another increase next year.
