HIGHLAND — Highland's City Council has voted to approve a property tax rate for its residents at 38 percent above the county's certified tax rate.

The decision, made late Tuesday after a public hearing required by law, came after concerns about increased taxes were expressed by a majority of the 60-plus residents who packed council chambers.

Residents who spoke at the meeting said the city's proposed tax increase, which originally was nearly 54 percent, was too much.

"You are forcing us out— the older people," said Highland resident Helene Pockrus. "There's no place for us to go. . . . You only want big houses with lots of money, and some of us would like to stay."

In response to the opinions expressed by Pockrus and others in attendance, members of the City Council lowered the city's portion of the tax rate. Highland's new rate includes the county's certified tax rate, plus the cost of improving the police and fire department for the next two years.

Police and fire officials who attended the meeting said an increase in funding for Highland's emergency services department is desperately needed.

During an average day, the department has a total of seven fire and ambulance personnel who can respond to emergencies for Alpine, Highland and Cedar Hills, said EMS representative Brad Freeman. A house fire typically requires seven to 12 personnel, Freeman said.

After 5 p.m., staff drops to four for the evening.

"We're really, really shorthanded as it is now," Freeman said. "It's a bad situation right now because of all of the growth."

According to a recent U.S. Census Department report, Alpine's population grew by more than 5,000 people from 2000 to 2005. City officials say the town is still surging.

The police department, which is shared with Alpine, is also in need of help, said Chief Kip Botkin, of the Lone Peak Safety District.

The cost of adding one more police officer to the force is about $117,000, Botkin said. That amount accounts for salary, retirement benefits, health benefits, clerical work, patrol vehicles, gas and other necessary costs.

Highland's new tax rate will provide some $400,000 for two more police or fire positions for the next two years.

"I feel that Highland is a wonderful place," said Councilwoman Claudia Stillman. "But we are playing catch-up."

Tuesday's approved rating of 0.001390 for city-based property tax is actually 4.8 percent less than last year's certified tax rate, said Highland City Manager Barry Edwards.

However, an increase in residents' property value as calculated by the county has resulted in an increase in overall property tax; thus, some residents could still be paying hundreds more. Had the county not revalued property, residents would be paying less, Edwards said.

"We can't be responsible for what the county is doing," said Councilman Glen Vawdry. "Yes, there are going to be some people who can't afford to live here, but I can't take the blame for that. I didn't do the assessment. I can only take the blame for the Highland portion, and that's all."

Council members encouraged residents to take disputes of property value to the county for re-evaluation.

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