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Herriman staff recommends starting truth‑in‑taxation review to offset inflationary costs for police and fire
Summary
City staff briefed the council on how property tax rates are set and recommended initiating the truth-in-taxation process, proposing a 2.89% CPI increase that would generate about $30,800 and discussing options to cover roughly $237,000 in inflation-driven police costs and other public-safety funding needs.
A staff presenter told the Herriman City Council that the county auditor calculates a certified tax rate designed to generate the same revenue as the prior year plus growth, and described the formal “truth and taxation” process the city can use to request additional property-tax revenue. “We go through a process called truth and taxation to increase the rate,” the presenter said.
Why it matters: Staff said the city’s general property tax accounts for about 5% of total city revenue and generates roughly $1 million for the general fund. Staff showed a median home value used in presentations — $613,600 — and explained how increases are delayed (often 18 months) relative to when services and costs occur.
Staff recommendation: For 2026 budgeting staff recommended asking for a 2.89% CPI-based increase as part of truth-in-taxation; staff said that request would generate roughly $30,800. The presentation also flagged roughly $237,000 of inflation-driven cost increases in the police budget for fiscal 2025 and said 2026 carries additional inflationary pressure; staff discussed using new-growth funds as a short-term placeholder while considering an annual truth-in-taxation review.
Council concerns and discussion: Members asked for concrete household impacts, comparisons with neighboring jurisdictions and the inflation percentages used in the calculations. One presenter noted differences between Herriman’s police tax rate and a regional unified police taxing district, saying the difference can be material in comparative charts. Council members debated annual incremental increases versus deferring to avoid starting a personnel pay ‘race’ among agencies.
No final decision tonight: Council agreed to move forward with the truth-in-taxation process as a next step and directed staff to return with formal numbers and a resolution; the actual decision on whether to adopt a higher rate will occur at the hearing.
What’s next: Staff will calculate precise household impacts of the proposed CPI increase, finalize recommended language and bring a resolution at the next council meeting to either accept the certified tax rate or request additional funds via truth-in-taxation.
