From Deseret News archives:
Utah County school revenues up
Increase linked to hefty rise in property values
"Normally, all three school districts don't go through (truth-in-taxation hearings) in the same year," said Cary McConnell of the Utah County's Clerk/Auditor's Office. "From an outsider looking in, it may be interesting that all districts are doing it this year."
Property tax rates for two school districts Provo and Nebo actually went down, but the overall amounts collected by the districts increased, and the hearings were legally required.
Many residents will pay more in taxes because the values of their homes increased.
On average, Utah County homes increased 25 percent in value: Properties in northern Utah County increased 24.9, Orem/Provo increased 28.5 percent, and southern Utah County increased 20.8 percent.
"A lot of that is driven by the cost of land," Alpine Superintendent Vern Henshaw said. "Construction and labor is at a premium."
In addition to property taxes from existing homes and businesses, taxes from new construction also contribute to the increased revenues.
Alpine business administrator Rob Smith said some of the new tax money is being used to build new schools, and to remodel and upgrade existing schools.
Three years ago, the district could build a school for $90-$100 a square foot.
"We're building schools now, I think with the high schools, $165-$175 a square foot," Smith said. "You'll never really know until you pay a final bill."
If the Board of Education halted planned construction of two elementary schools and one junior high, tax rates would be lower an estimated 0.006529, Smith said.
On the other hand, last year when the district was drumming up support for the current construction plan, administrators had anticipated a rate of 0.007393 for this year. They were able to keep this year's tax rate of 0.006937 lower because of increased valuations.
In Provo, the city's assessed value was 3.4 billion last year. This year, property was assessed at $4.2 billion.
Last year, the city's school district received $21 million in property taxes. This year, it will likely be about $22.3 million, despite the tax rate decrease, because of growth and higher property valuations, according to a presentation by district business administrator Kerry Smith.
Recent comments
Quite a few details were left out of this story.
Alpine got...
Unhappy Alpine School Mom | Aug. 28, 2007 at 6:07 p.m.
Oh great. Revenue is up. Now the district can hire more...
SchoolDad | Aug. 27, 2007 at 9:31 p.m.
If RS will take the time to really look at the numbers, it will...
Yup | Aug. 27, 2007 at 8:04 p.m.
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