Tuesday night the Salt Lake County Council voted 8-1 to approve the county’s budget for 2026. This year’s budget process was more challenging than in years past; but the Council ultimately adopted a budget that is fiscally responsible and continues to provide critical services county residents depend on.
Through detailed deliberations, the Council was able to reduce a proposed property tax increase by approximately 25%. Asking residents to contribute additional taxes is not a decision we take lightly. However, the County’s continued growth, inflation, decreasing federal revenue, and unfunded requirements from the state legislature necessitated the County’s first property tax increase in six years.
Beginning next year, the average Salt Lake County resident with a home valued at $638,000 will see their property tax bill increase by approximately $5.41 per month, or $64.92 per year.
We acknowledge the impacts this increase will have on County residents, but these funds will be used to help maintain critical services such as:
- Additional capacity in the District Attorney’s Office to address crime in our communities
- Criminal Justice staffing increases to help reduce recidivism in our justice system
- Funding to help address the housing affordability crisis
Unfortunately, the Democratic Caucus was unable to preserve funding for important programs like County-operated daycare centers and a pre-apprenticeship program designed to help women in trades enter the workforce.
We were able to ensure funding to re-build the 10th East Senior Center was preserved. We look forward to ensuring the continued success of this important space for our County’s seniors.
We also want to thank the hundreds of County residents who took the time to provide public comment during our meetings or who submitted ideas via email and telephone. This process is better when residents are informed and engaged. We hear, appreciate, and see you and are thankful for your participation.
