Tax boost unlikely in Davis next year

FARMINGTON — An apparently improving economy means Davis County residents probably won't see a county property-tax increase next year.

County Clerk-Auditor Steve Rawlings presented a tentative 2004 budget to county commissioners last week that has operating budget revenues of $68.96 million, a 6.3 percent increase over this year. The increase is from the sale of surplus county-owned property in North Salt Lake and Layton.

Since the budget was put together with only eight months' worth of operations, it will have to be fine-tuned before being presented to the public for approval Dec. 16, he said. Copies of the budget will be available for public examination on Dec. 5.

"When we get the sales-tax numbers for the final quarter and see the appeals on property taxes, we'll have a better handle on where we're at," Rawlings said. "Generally, we don't expect to see large swings in the budget, just small adjustments."

Because the county has already gone through a year of budget reductions, hiring freezes, retirements and other things to reduce costs for 2003, it is in better financial shape than a year ago and no tax increase is needed in the county's share of taxes. This year's 24 percent tax increase costs $26 for the owner of an average home valued at $167,000.

Rawlings said the county's full-time employment number is down by about 60 from last year.

"With the economy starting to pick up, the outlook for Davis County is much more optimistic for the future," Rawlings said, adding the county expects increased revenue from a county-owned conference center under construction in Layton plus increased tourist-related taxes from nearby hotels to brighten next year's economic picture.

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