From Deseret News archives:
S. Jordan taxes rising for first time in 14 years
Residents voice objections at nearly 3-hour hearing
The increase was not without opposition a public hearing stretched for nearly three hours. Residents spoke of their frustrations with seeing taxes increase, saying that while South Jordan taxes have not increased in years, taxes from any number of other taxing entities have, and the burden is getting heavy.
"I don't have a real problem with taxes," resident Jim Liddiard said. "I'm not on poverty row. But just because the city hasn't raised the tax rate in 14 years doesn't mean it's time to do it."
Others, however, said they had come to the meeting opposed to the increase but had been swayed by City Manager Rick Horst's presentation on its necessity.
"I am willing to pay the extra to live in this city," one resident said, saying she believed the council was making a financially responsible decision and cautioning it to continue to do so.
As a result, the tax rate typically goes down yearly and increased valuation of homes does not result in increased taxes until a truth-in-taxation hearing is held, allowing the rate to increase.
South Jordan's increase would bring the yearly tax on a $220,000 home from $212.48 to $267.53 an increase of $55.05. But part of the increase is for street lighting, which is currently covered by a $34.20 yearly fee. That fee will go away, and compounded with the average tax deduction savings, the city estimates the new tax rate will mean a net increase of 73 cents monthly for a $220,000 home.
Horst said the idea is to put more of the tax burden on the city's emerging and quickly growing business base, which has been paying the same street lighting fee as residents. The increase also covers homeland security money that will go to train police and fire crews and provide them with equipment to respond to anything from a suspicious package in a parking lot to a business receiving white powder in the mail. Horst said no one expects al-Qaida to strike South Jordan, but terrorism and copy-cat crimes come at all levels.
Horst said some lower-income residents with properties of lower value likely will see a tax decrease, while those who own more expensive homes or businesses will see a larger increase. But South Jordan remains near the middle in tax rates among Salt Lake Valley cities, with cities ranging in size from Herriman to Salt Lake City having higher property tax rates.
E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com
Comments
- Input sought on nondiscrimination 5:29 p.m.
- Bill O'Reilly to speak at U. 5:28 p.m.
- I-15 crash snarls Davis traffic 5:27 p.m.
- Women a minority in Utah colleges 5:27 p.m.
- Charges considered in Roy shooting 5:25 p.m.
- Am. Fork band to nationals? 5:24 p.m.
- Fugitive Mapleton ex-official found 5:21 p.m.
- Dixie St. campus briefs 5:14 p.m.
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009 4:37 p.m.
- Senators want food tax restored 4:35 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Hope for single moms
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf'
- Reducing game time laughable
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
261 - House passes health care bill
221 - Lobo suspended
176 - TCU showdown has big implications
164 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
153 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
130 - Thousands protest health bill
110 - Provo company innovating engines
108 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
108 - RSL rallies to advance
103
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former presidential candidate John...
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Thank you for your service, Steve Butler.
"Which was the same argument made when a black man wanted to marry a white...
The thing is it was an article about gorbachev and not ronnie because...
in my opinion, they should leave it off, and take of the remaining portion as...
Oh my goodness, Don--a bit of hyperbole, no? Are you satisfied to continue...
Beautiful essay, Ann. My father-in-law came in on Utah Beach 24 hours after...
C'mon D-News
Thats right raise the tax on the poor.
Wow. Seriously? Who pissed in your orange juice this morning? Two men...
Kay McIff says big families don't really need a tax break? I thought this...


You can be the first to comment on this story.