Iron County Auditor Lucas Little discusses new tax bill impacts on residents

The Iron County Commission convened on March 24, 2025, to address various agenda items, including the approval of previous meeting minutes, financial matters, and departmental reports.

The meeting commenced with a motion to approve the minutes from the March 10 meeting, which was seconded and unanimously approved. Following this, the commission moved to approve payments for bills incurred between March 10 and March 23, which also received unanimous support.

Next, the Iron County Auditor, Lucas Little, provided an update on recent legislative developments impacting the county. He highlighted Senate Bill 197, which will significantly affect residents applying for property tax abatements. Under this new legislation, no new applicants will be accepted into the circuit breaker abatement program after this year, although current participants will retain their benefits. Little emphasized the importance of informing potential new applicants to apply before the deadline, as the program has historically assisted many residents, particularly those aged 65 and older with limited income.

Little expressed concern over the implications of the bill, noting that it restricts individuals from receiving both county abatements and circuit breaker benefits, potentially leading to increased financial burdens for some residents. He acknowledged Senator Vickers as the sole dissenting vote against the bill and mentioned ongoing efforts to communicate with affected residents.

In addition to legislative updates, Little reported on the county's financial activities, including the processing of property tax exemption applications and preparations for the upcoming annual tax sale scheduled for May 22. He also shared that since the implementation of a new sales tax to fund a sheriff's complex in July 2024, the county has collected over $2.3 million, with a portion already allocated for bond payments.

The meeting concluded with Little's assurance that the county is closely monitoring financial records and preparing for the upcoming audit on May 5. The commission's discussions underscored the ongoing challenges and changes facing Iron County residents, particularly regarding property tax assistance programs.