Jerry Schmidt urges Midvale residents to apply for property tax relief programs

The Midvale City Council meeting on August 19, 2025, featured a significant discussion on property tax relief programs available for residents, particularly low-income seniors. Jerry Schmidt addressed the council, emphasizing the importance of the statewide circuit breaker program, which offers partial property tax relief to qualified Utahns. He urged residents to apply before the Labor Day deadline, highlighting that there are six different relief programs available, including those for disabled veterans and low-income seniors.

Schmidt pointed out that last year, 2,277 low-income senior households in Salt Lake County received an average of $691 in property tax relief through the homeowners credit. He expressed concern over recent legislative attempts to undermine this support, specifically mentioning Senator Dan McKay's efforts to eliminate the senior program, which he labeled as "welfare for people who don't pay taxes." Schmidt praised local representatives, including Steve Eliason, for their opposition to McKay's bill and their support for low-income seniors.

The discussion underscored the critical need for these relief programs, especially as over 60 entities in the state are proposing property tax hikes this year. Schmidt called on the community to advocate for the preservation of these vital programs, emphasizing the importance of protecting the financial well-being of vulnerable residents in Midvale.