Brian Head council includes $150,000 property-tax increase in FY2027 tentative budget, sets hearings

The Brian Head Town Council voted unanimously May 12 to adopt a FY2027 tentative budget that includes a proposed $150,000 increase in the town’s property-tax revenue to help fund road maintenance.

Town Treasurer Shane Williamson, speaking as the Budget Officer, formally notified the Council and public that the tentative budget contains an estimated $150,000 property-tax increase and presented the statutorily required Property Tax Impact Schedule. Williamson said the town's tax rate would move from 0.002328 to an estimated 0.002627 and that the change would raise Brian Head’s property-tax revenue by about 12.85 percent. Under the impact schedule, a primary residence with a market value of $500,000 (after the 45% residential exemption) would see an estimated annual increase of $82.27; a $500,000 business or second home would see an estimated $149.57 increase.

Mayor Clayton Calloway and council members discussed the importance of clearly communicating that the 12.85 percent figure refers to the town’s portion of property-tax revenue, not to a household’s entire tax bill. Bret Howser, the town manager, said staff will provide additional explanatory materials and an illustrative example for an undeveloped lot as suggested by the Council.

The Council adopted Resolution No. 26-569-A to call a public hearing on the tentative budget for May 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. and adopted Resolution No. 26-570-B formally acknowledging the Budget Officer’s statement. In a separate action, the Council set the Truth in Taxation public hearing required by state law for Aug. 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. and directed staff to notify the Utah State Tax Commission and the Iron County Auditor before June 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 26-571-C).

Council members expressed differing views during discussion over whether alternative revenue sources had been fully considered. Council Member Duane Nyen questioned the permanence of property-tax increases and asked whether business-license or permit-fee changes could produce comparable revenue. Council Member Larry Freeberg suggested exploring construction-related fees that more directly align with road wear. Howser and Williamson cautioned that some fee mechanisms are constrained by state law and emphasized that the tentative budget can be amended prior to final adoption and that the Truth in Taxation process provides a later confirmation step.

The May 26 public hearing will be held at Brian Head Town Hall; a final budget adoption is tentatively scheduled for June 9, 2026. The Council encouraged staff to post clear, contextual materials online to help residents understand the town-specific impact versus total tax-bill changes.