Like prices, property tax on the rise

West Jordan is proposing a 31 percent increase that would cost $77 on a $250,000 home. The city has said it is needed to fund road repairs, fuel cost increases and to maintain city services.

Riverton is proposing a 204 percent increase costing $64 on a $250,000 home. City officials say that is needed to fill gaps in city revenue caused by evaporating new construction. Last year, it had about 1,000 residential building permits. This year, it expects only 100 — which will hurt its revenue stream.

Mayor Bill Applegarth trimmed about $700,000 from Riverton's 2007-08 budget and laid off five city employees, including its public works director. But he has said the city still needs $1 million more in revenue, so the tax increase was proposed.

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