From Deseret News archives:
Complaints prompt Davis to delay vote on county tax hike
The commissioners said they would like more time to consider comments made during Wednesday's public hearing. About 80 people showed up for the meeting, and of the 15 people who spoke, most opposed the tax increase.
It was a much different scene from the Davis Mosquito Abatement District's Tuesday night meeting, when the district's board of directors approved a property-tax increase expected to bring in $198,000 to pay for more spraying operations to combat West Nile virus. No one showed up to comment.
The district's 2007 budget will be $1.2 million, and the tax increase is $9.42 on a home valued at $173,000.
On the average home in Davis County valued at $171,000, the county tax increase is expected to be $60.84 per year.
At the county hearing Wednesday night, the commissioners heard from residents and business owners, including Spencer Young, with the Young Automotive Group in Layton and Kaysville.
"I'm very disappointed that the commission is even proposing a tax increase, let alone a 37 percent increase," Young said. "We're getting taxed to death."
The tax increase is designed to fund operations for the recently expanded Davis County Jail, repairs for ailing flood-control channels and more services for the county's Division of Senior Services.
Other residents said the tax burden is too great on senior citizens living on fixed incomes. Michael Hoover told the commissioners that he pays too much in taxes and fees as it is.
"I believe commissioners should balance their budget the same way I do, by cutting back," he said.
By law, commissioners need to approve a budget by Dec. 31, but their last regular meeting of this year is Tuesday. Commission chairwoman Carol Page said the commissioners will take the comments under advisement and decide on a future date to approve a budget.
E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com
