From Deseret News archives:
Proposed new tax rates popping up across Utah
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next >
Similarly, the West Millard mosquito district has used reserves in recent years, while revenues have not met expenses, said district manager Eldon Rowley. Also, he said, the district hired several extra workers to help fight increased West Nile disease threats, and it must cover higher chemical and gasoline costs.
In Garden City, Councilman Leon Hardt said, "We haven't had a tax-rate increase for at least 20 years. And with the growth Garden City has seen, we are just way behind the eight-ball. ... We need to build more roads."
Similarly, Woodland Hills Mayor Toby Harding said it has been several years since the city raised taxes and the city has no commercial base producing sales tax that might reduce pressure on property tax.
Other governments may not be doubling taxes, but many are coming close. Five are proposing hikes between 50 percent and 99 percent, according to State Tax Commission data.
Michael Sears, finance director for fast-growing Draper, said it had not raised tax rates in at least 10 years. The increase "will help replace infrastructure. A number of roads have reached the end of their useful life and need to be replaced," he said.
He adds the city needs to staff a new fire station and build some new frontage roads along freeways. "We realize the tax increase is large. But even with it, it's not going to fund all of our needs," he said.
Some areas are being hit with a double or triple whammy, as many separate governments that serve residents are proposing big rate hikes at the same time, while assessors are also raising the value of property.
Kane County is among them. County Commission Chairman Mark Habbeshaw said much of the land there has tripled in value in recent years because "we have been discovered" as a desirable vacation site or place to live, driving up market value.
"That higher valuation is hitting at the same time as our (county government) tax-rate increase. In addition, the school district has a major increase, and special improvement districts increased their assessment," he said.
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next >
Comments
- Trapped dog reunited with owner 7:13 p.m.
- Spartans hold on to beat Citadel 7:06 p.m.
- Witness: Mitchell stalked victims 6:57 p.m.
- UTA, union continue contract talks 6:44 p.m.
- Alleged controversy in '07 Jazz game 6:39 p.m.
- U. says it needs campus repairs 6:31 p.m.
- Ranking the bowl games 6:30 p.m.
- $2M error could mean layoffs 6:29 p.m.
- Stranded hikers rescued 6:24 p.m.
- Payson family loses home in fire 6:10 p.m.
- Letters: Liberal because LDS
277 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
256 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
202 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
191 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - Cougars going back to Vegas
142 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
140 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
129 - Letters: Global warming a lie
129 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
Amazon.com, Target.com, Sears.com, Walmart.com, Kmart.com and...
Keep it clean or go join the Crimson Line!
I think that the TCU and Boise State teams should agree to not play the game....
No, Maxie will not make it. He'll be QBing for Utah since their QB couldn't...
I would hate it if the Jazz end up having a record that warrants only one...
Fewer bees mean fewer plants get pollinated which means less food. What do...
I ask with sincerity, who of you 59 commenting have read Palin's book? Write...
A woman shouldn't have an abortion, because of the right's of the child -...
BYU Fan & BCS Cowards, I agree, they should withdraw to make a point but...
Everybody whines every time we get the invite to the Vegas Bowl, why? Here is...
Louis has inspired me to be passionately involved with the poor both with my...



You can be the first to comment on this story.