Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Tax Process topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel backs changes to truth-in-taxation process to give earlier public notice
Summary
Committee unanimously advanced HB236 to require earlier public notices when taxing entities are considering increases, require two tentative budgets (baseline and with proposed increases), and delay operating on an increased budget until after the August hearing, giving taxpayers clearer choices earlier in the process.
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee voted unanimously to forward HB236, legislation designed to make truth-in-taxation hearings more meaningful by giving the public earlier notice and clearer budget comparisons.
Sponsor Representative Karen Peterson told the committee the bill would require taxing entities considering a rate increase to notify the public by about May and to publish two tentative budgets in June — one that reflects baseline revenue and one that shows the proposed tax increase and what that additional revenue would buy. Under the bill, entities would not begin operating under the increased budget on July 1; instead they would operate on the base budget until the August truth-in-taxation hearing is complete and the entity decides whether to adopt the alternative budget.
Supporters included the Utah Taxpayers Association and the Utah Chamber, which said the changes would improve transparency and reduce the perception that decisions were already final when constituents arrived to comment. Local officials and a school-board member said earlier notice and two tentative budgets should help citizens engage while decisions are still negotiable.
Representative Kyle moved the favorable recommendation; after sponsor remarks and committee discussion the committee passed the measure unanimously. The bill will move to the House floor for further consideration.
