Each August, fiscal year taxing entities, primarily cities, school districts, and special service districts, hold truth-in-taxation meetings to inform the public of their intention to increase property taxes. These meetings provide an opportunity for elected officials, such as city council members or local school board members, to present their case for a tax increase and for taxpayers in those jurisdictions to express their opinions on the proposals. Following the meeting, elected officials have the ability to approve, modify, or reject the tax increase.
The Utah Taxpayers Association strongly encourages all impacted taxpayers to attend these meetings and exercise their right to voice their concerns.
“Truth-in-taxation meetings are a pivotal component of the taxation process in Utah,” said Billy Hesterman, President of the Utah Taxpayers Association. “The feedback garnered during these meetings plays a crucial role in maintaining the fairness of taxes and ensuring that budgets undergo rigorous scrutiny before final approval. We hope that all taxpayers attempt to attend these meetings.”
Truth-in-taxation meetings are the culmination of a taxing entity’s efforts to raise property taxes. The meetings follow the creation of a budget that calls for additional funding beyond the entity’s receipts in the preceding budget year and also surpasses anticipated revenue from new developments within its boundaries. This process typically spans several months, involving the adoption of a preliminary budget, a final budget presented in open and public meetings, and, if a tax increase is deemed necessary, a truth-in-taxation hearing.
While cities frequently gain the most attention from citizens regarding tax increases, we strongly encourage those experiencing tax hikes from school districts and special service districts (such as water conservancy districts) to attend truth-in-taxation hearings and express their opinions on the proposed measures to the elected officials of these entities.
Truth-in-taxation meetings, mandated by state law since the 1980s, have been instrumental in Utah’s success in maintaining a lower property tax burden compared to most states. As per our How Utah Compares Report, Utah ranks 39th among the 50 states for property tax burden on its residents.
Attached is a list of cities, counties, and school districts scheduled to hold a truth-in-taxation hearing in August.
