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Bluff proposes property tax increase to fund emergency services
Summary
At a May 19 budget open house, Bluff leaders proposed raising the town mill rate to generate about $50,000 — earmarked for a part-time Emergency Services Administrative position and equipment — citing reduced grant availability and new state fire-code duties under Utah House Bill 48.
Mayor Josh Ewing and Town Manager Erin Nelson presented a proposed property tax increase at a May 19 Budget Open House in Bluff that would raise the town’s mill rate from about 0.000543 to roughly 0.001366 and generate approximately $50,000 earmarked for emergency services.
Nelson said property taxes currently represent about 5% of Bluff’s operational budget (about $33,000 in FY2026) while visitor-related taxes account for roughly 35% (~$273,000). She told attendees the town projects total operational revenue of $711,000 for FY2026 and about $1.1 million for FY2027 and emphasized that many previously secured grants have been spent down, reducing one of Bluff’s principal revenue sources.
Why it matters: officials said the new revenue would fund administrative support and equipment for the Bluff Fire Department and EMS. Mayor Josh Ewing said the town faces new responsibilities under Utah House Bill 48 related to Wildland-Urban Interface enforcement and described the proposed tax increase as a "down payment" toward better emergency services.
Officials laid out the impact estimates included in the town’s impact statement: the increase would raise the town’s property tax intake by about $50,000 (to roughly $83,000 total). For an average primary residence with a market value of $233,800, Nelson said the annual increase would be about $105.61; for a $500,000 primary residence, about $225.85 annually. Businesses — which do not receive the primary residential exemption — would face higher increases (Nelson cited examples of ~$364.32 for a $443,600 business property and ~$1,366.39 for a $1,000,000 business property).
Use of funds: Ewing and Nelson said the new revenue would support a proposed part-time Emergency Services Administrative position to manage administrative and maintenance tasks, administer the Cooperative Agreement with the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, assist with volunteer recruitment for EMS and fire, and help with grant writing. The town also anticipates using some funds for emergency equipment; officials characterized the package as addressing immediate administrative needs and building longer-term capacity rather than a full overhaul of services.
Context and alternatives: Nelson noted Bluff has relied heavily on grants — nearly $1.5 million secured since 2022 for roads, facilities and community projects — but that many grants are being spent down, increasing pressure on the town’s operating budget. Ewing explained Utah’s Truth in Taxation revenue-target approach, noting that although Bluff’s taxable property value has risen since 2020, that increase does not automatically increase town revenue under state rules except for new construction.
Next steps: No vote was taken at the open house. Officials said formal public input will occur at a June 2, 2026 public hearing with a potential August Truth in Taxation hearing if the council pursues the increase. Presentation slides will be posted on the town website.
