"Fuel costs are definitely a concern for all our budgets," he said. "All of our employees have to travel quite a ways" in that rural area.

In American Fork, city leaders initially told the State Tax Commission they were proposing a hike that would cost $160 on a $250,000 home. But city spokeswoman Linda P. Walton said that has been decreased to an increase that would cost about $63 instead, a 22 percent increase, and its Truth in Taxation hearing will address that amount.

"It includes several new construction projects, some increased programs and keeping important programs funded," she said.

Some of the biggest tax increases for some homeowners will come from governments that previously did not charge property tax but are proposing to do so this year. That includes a municipal fund for unincorporated areas of Iron County, with a proposed hike of $254 on a $250,000 home, and the Neola Water District, with a hike of $248 on such a home.

To avoid "double taxation" in Iron County — where residents living in cities or towns are paying for citylike services delivered by the county in unincorporated areas — the county commission voted to create a "municipal services" tax for unincorporated areas.

"It is a question of leveling the (property tax) playing field," said county assessor Dennis Ayers. "I have some employees here who live in the (unincorporated) county and they are not happy about it. But they understand that this has to be done" or the county, like other urbanized counties before Iron County, could be liable in court for the disparity in taxation.

"I'm expecting a lot of angry phone calls" from county residents when they get their property tax notices, he said.

Sometimes several small increases by governments in the same area can add up to big bottom-line increases for homeowners. For example, several local governments that serve Salt Lake City residents are proposing tax hikes.

Salt Lake City government itself is proposing an increase of $16 on a $250,000 home. The Salt Lake City School District is also proposing a hike of about $20. Salt Lake County (which includes the city) is proposing a $2.48 increase. And the Metropolitan Water District in Salt Lake City is proposing a $3.16 increase.

In total, that is about a $42 increase overall on a $250,000 home there.

Also worth noting are some of the other larger increases proposed among some of more populous areas along the Wasatch Front.

For example, West Valley — the state's second largest city — is proposing an 11 percent hike that would cost an extra $46 on a $250,000 home. City officials have said it would go toward new fire equipment, police training and two new park employees.