Potential $965K county property tax hike sparks public concern

MANTI—The Sanpete County Commission has taken the first steps toward raising property taxes in order to generate just under $965,000 in additional revenue for employee compensation.

The action prompted comments from residents through social media about whether they could afford the increase and whether extra money should go toward salaries. A public hearing is scheduled Nov. 30.

The commission took preliminary steps toward the proposed increase on Oct. 20 by approving three statements outlining its intent to collect additional property tax revenue.

The proposal represents a 17.11 percent increase in the county’s budgeted property tax revenue, excluding new growth. Commissioners said the additional money would go toward wages, pay adjustments and health insurance.

Commissioners Jim Cheney and Mike Bennett voted in favor of all three statements, while Commission Chairman Scott Bartholomew opposed each one. Bartholomew did not explain his opposition during the brief discussion.

However, commissioners emphasized that their actions did not constitute approval of an actual tax increase. Instead, the statements allow the county to proceed through the state’s Truth-in-Taxation process, which requires public notification and a hearing before a final decision.

During the meeting, Bartholomew asked that one of the motions be reworded to clarify the distinction.

“You’re not approving the tax increase, you’re only approving the statement,” Bartholomew said.

The motion was clarified and approved.

The commission also did not provide a detailed breakdown of how the $965,000 would be divided among wages, insurance and employee compensation adjustments.

What the increase would cost

A public hearing notice issued by the county provides examples of how the proposed increase would affect property owners.

According to the notice, the county portion of property taxes on a $440,000 residence would increase from $414.55 to $486.04 annually, an increase of $71.49 per year.

For a $440,000 business property, the county tax would increase from $753.72 to $883.71, an additional $129.99 annually.

Those figures represent only the Sanpete County portion of a property tax bill, not the total taxes collected by all taxing entities.

Property tax bills include levies from other entities, including school districts, municipalities and special districts.

The proposed 17.11 percent increase refers to the county’s budgeted property tax revenue, not a uniform 17.11 percent increase in every property owner’s total tax bill. The actual impact on an individual property would depend on the taxable value of the property and what entities besides the county levy tax on the property.

Residents question proposal

The commission’s actions generated discussion in the Sanpete County Community Group on Facebook, where residents expressed concern about the proposal and questioned how the additional money would be spent.

Doug Spencer, who shared information about the commission’s vote, expressed opposition to the increase and to property taxes generally.

“I oppose property taxes and any increase to them, even if it means a smaller government,” Spencer wrote.

Others focused on the financial challenges facing households.

“I can’t afford an increase in property taxes,” Anjie Thayne wrote, adding, “I can never get ahead.”

Scott Sorensen, who identified himself as 72, expressed concern about how rising property taxes could affect people living on fixed incomes.

“You are going to tax me out of my house,” Sorensen wrote, comparing the proposed increase with his Social Security income.

Several participants questioned what the county intended to do with the additional revenue.

Although the commission identified employee compensation as the proposed use of the funds, the meeting did not include a detailed explanation of specific wage adjustments or projected insurance expenses.

Some online commenters said they would be more receptive to additional taxes if the money supported improvements such as water resources or infrastructure, but questioned increases primarily intended to raise salaries.

Other commenters encouraged residents to consider the costs of government alongside the services it provides.

“Weigh those benefits against the costs. Read everything and be wise,” Peter J. Brown wrote. “We all want roads and schools and public safety. It’s not free.”

Public hearing scheduled

Sanpete County has scheduled a Truth in Taxation public hearing for Monday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. in the Sanpete County Courthouse, 160 N. Main St., Suite 302, Manti.

At the hearing, the commission will explain its reasons for seeking additional revenue and hear public comments.

Residents may attend in person or virtually. According to the county’s notice, instructions for virtual participation will be available on the county website no later than 24 hours before the hearing begins.

Residents seeking additional information may contact Sanpete County at 835-2142, ext. 8, or visit http://www.sanpetecountyutah.gov.

Under Utah’s Truth in Taxation requirements, a local government seeking to collect more property tax revenue than it collected in the preceding year must provide public notice and an opportunity for residents to comment before adopting the increase.

The Nov. 30 hearing will give residents an opportunity to address commissioners directly about the proposal, including its potential effect on household finances and the county’s stated need for additional employee compensation funding.

For now, the proposed $965,000 annual revenue increase remains under consideration. Commissioners have not approved a higher tax rate, and a final decision must follow the required public hearing.