PROVO — Utah County commissioners and the county sheriff made their case Monday night for a tax increase in unincorporated areas while residents asked them to be mindful of the already tight economic squeeze faced by many families.

"I know," Commissioner Gary Anderson said to laughter and nods. "My 401(k) is now a 201(k)."

Sheriff Jim Tracy and the three commissioners told about 15 people who attended the public hearing that the tax increase is necessary to pay for basic police and fire service in the county's unincorporated area, approximately 1,800 square miles.

Four service districts are included in the proposed hike. If the commissioners approve the increase with the 2009 budget at their Dec. 9 meeting, the average increase for a $250,000 home would be $64 a year. Another $18 or $11 for fire service could be added, with the difference based on where the home is located because of the different types of fire service.

"It's not an insignificant amount," Anderson said.

The tax increase won't provide any increase in manpower, Tracy said. Instead, he is cutting management and secretarial staff to handle budget cuts. The tax money will simply allow him to maintain the 34 deputies that patrol the unincorporated parts of the county.

"These monies are necessary to keep you safe," Tracy said.

About a dozen residents spoke. While they clearly are chafing at the increase, they appeared resigned. Most of the comments were restricted to suggestions and specific questions about service in their neighborhoods.

"We hear you," Anderson told residents. "We're doing all we can to keep costs down. We're the second-largest county in the state but we have nowhere near the second-largest work force."

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