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River Heights council adopts interim FY27 budget and sets proposed property-tax increase
Summary
River Heights adopted an interim FY2027 budget and approved a proposed property-tax rate of 0.000849 (from 0.000476), initiating Utah's Truth in Taxation process; the increase would raise an estimated $85,101 and is earmarked for parks, roads and administration.
River Heights Mayor Blake Wright told the City Council on June 16 that the city is beginning the Truth in Taxation process after the council adopted an interim FY2027 budget and approved a proposed property-tax rate increase. "The proposed property tax impact schedule: River Heights City will consider an increase to its property tax from 0.000476 to 0.000849 to generate an estimated $85,101," Wright said.
Why it matters: The proposed raise would increase general-fund revenue by about 73.33%, adding approximately $85,101 to the city's operating budget. Council members and staff said the money would be used largely for ongoing expenses rather than one-time projects, with Parks ($38,851), Roads ($15,500) and Administration ($30,750) called out as primary uses.
What the council did: After a public hearing and line-by-line review of the tentative budget, the council adopted Resolution 7-2026 to make the interim budget effective July 1, 2026, and then passed Resolution 6-2026 adopting a proposed tax rate of 0.000849 per dollar of taxable value and a proposed levy of $201,255 for tax year 2026–2027. Those steps trigger public-notice requirements and a final Truth in Taxation hearing tentatively scheduled for Aug. 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Public questions and staff responses: Residents pressed staff on timing and the practical effect of the increase. Resident Lance Mortensen asked, "When does this take effect?" Staff answered that taxpayers will see changes on the November tax notice and that the city will budget revenue in FY27 (the city expects to receive the funds in March 2027), meaning 2026 bills may reflect a partial-year amount.
Budget details and constraints: Finance staff said certain Truth-in-Taxation items are restricted until the tax is finalized. Treasurer Michelle Jensen said the council allocated TNT (restricted) sums for payroll taxes, health insurance and retirement increases and noted a $150,000 general-fund transfer to capital projects to comply with a 35% state limit on general-fund balances.
Next steps: The council must finalize notices and schematics required by state law and hold the Truth in Taxation public hearing in August before any tax change becomes final. The interim budget adopted will allow the city to operate while restricted TNT funds remain unavailable until the tax decision is final.
