The Box Elder County Commission meeting on November 19, 2024, focused on the proposed property tax increase and the tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The commissioners discussed a resolution to increase property taxes to generate an additional $40,000, representing a 10.14% increase for the library fund. The motion to adopt this resolution was unanimously approved.

During the meeting, the commissioners outlined changes to the tentative budget, noting a decrease in income tax revenue. The proposed property tax increase would result in an annual increase of $37.14 for residential properties and $67.52 for businesses. Additionally, the library fund would see a smaller increase of $2.53 for homes and $4.60 for businesses serviced by the bookmobile.

To manage costs, the commissioners decided to reduce the cost of living adjustment for county employees to 3% and freeze their own salaries. Significant cuts were made to the budget, including the cancellation of a planned bookmobile purchase and a reduction in funding for a search and rescue building addition.

The meeting also included a public hearing where community members voiced their opinions on the budget. Concerns were raised about the impact of tax increases on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. One resident criticized the necessity of funding the bookmobile, suggesting it should be privatized, while another expressed gratitude for the library fund increase, emphasizing the importance of the bookmobile for families in the area.

The commissioners acknowledged the feedback and confirmed that the final budget would be adopted in a future meeting scheduled for December 4 or December 18. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing community needs with fiscal responsibility in Box Elder County.