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Santaquin sets Aug. 4 public hearing on proposed 3.4% property‑tax increase for fire apparatus, library staff
Summary
City staff published the required notice that Santaquin is considering a property‑tax increase (approx. $73,470, about 3.4%) earmarked for fire apparatus and library staffing; the council opened a formal public hearing and received public comment opposing a permanent tax increase.
Santaquin City staff read the required intent notice at the June 2 council meeting that the city is considering a property‑tax rate that exceeds the certified rate. The notice estimated the additional ad valorem tax revenue at roughly $73,470 (approximately a 3.4% increase) and said the intended uses would be fire‑department apparatus and library staffing.
The council moved into a formal public hearing on the tentative 2026–27 budget and the proposed property‑tax increase. Two residents who had signed up spoke at the hearing. Dustin Holden urged the council not to adopt a permanent tax increase without clearer detail on why ongoing revenue is needed, noting the city’s existing reserves and arguing staff should first exhaust grants, financing or one‑time options for major capital purchases. He asked for transparent listings of grant applications and alternatives to a permanent rate increase.
Another resident, Bert Terry, spoke from a fixed‑income perspective and urged council members to consider impacts on elderly residents who rely on Social Security and have limited ability to absorb new taxes.
What the council did: the meeting record shows staff presented the official notice and the council opened and then closed the formal public hearing for the tentative budget. No final tax‑rate adoption was recorded that night; staff announced a public hearing will be held on Aug. 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers to receive additional public comment before any final action.
Why it matters: council adoption of a property‑tax increase would create ongoing revenue and affects residents’ property tax bills. Opponents at the meeting urged staff to present alternative financing strategies (grants, short‑term financing or reallocations) and to clarify what portion of the city’s capital needs are already funded from reserves.
Next steps: the public hearing on the proposed tax increase remains scheduled for Aug. 4, 2026. Staff and council signaled they will continue to review grant opportunities and financing options and provide more budget detail before a final decision.
