Alta officials rethink tax hike

Published: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 5:13 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

ALTA — This tiny ski town on the Salt Lake Valley's east side is pulling back on a proposed 10 percent property-tax increase for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

The proposal would have raised taxes by about $44 per year for an $850,000 home. The change would have garnered an additional $23,145, according to documents made public Wednesday.

After a public meeting earlier this month, the mayor and Town Council asked budget officials to take another look at the budget and do away with the proposed increase, said Alta clerk Kate Black.

Since then, town officials have proposed a new budget that reduces funds for tourism and promotion instead of requiring more money.

Alta Mayor Tom Pollard said the budget is small enough that no major surgery was required to cut the tax increase.

"We just didn't feel that a property-tax increase was a good move at this time," Pollard said.

The proposed budget keeps town employees' wages and salaries in place and calls for sewer fees to increase about 15 percent. Overall, the tiny town plans to operate with a $1.1 million general fund.

Story continues below

The proposal shows that Alta, like many other Utah municipalities, is expecting less in sales-tax revenue for 2009-10 than it received in 2008-09. Town officials hope to balance the books by holding off on major renovations and delaying purchase of a new police vehicle, Black said.

"Residents won't see direct affect but could see something indirectly," Black said.

The town will hold a final public hearing on the budget at 10 a.m. June 18 in the Alta Municipal Building on Main Street. Later during that meeting, the Town Council will vote on the budget proposals.

E-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com

Recent comments

I can see how anyone living in Alta couldn't afford $44. That nearly...

Anonymous | May 27, 2009 at 6:12 p.m.

67 households in the city of Alta and $261000 of taxes collected...

Bard Davies | May 27, 2009 at 5:52 p.m.

Either your story is in error or I have to move to Alta. $440 yearly...

Skitarghee | May 27, 2009 at 5:36 p.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...

If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...

I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...

Big games keep UHSAA coffers full

why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...

A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...

I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...

A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...

she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...

Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons

Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...

Photos: A Royal welcome home

Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...

Advertisements
Advertisement