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Ephraim Council adopts FY2027 interim budget, sets Truth in Taxation hearing on proposed property tax increase
Summary
The Ephraim City Council adopted the FY2027 interim budget and approved a resolution to consider a property tax increase estimated to generate about $59,000; the Council also directed staff to report on how utility rate revenues are funding water and sewer projects and scheduled a Truth in Taxation hearing for Aug. 19, 2026.
The Ephraim City Council on June 3 adopted the FY2027 interim budget and declared its intent to consider a property tax increase above the certified rate, setting a Truth in Taxation public hearing for Aug. 19, 2026.
Budget Officer Jon Knudsen presented the Interim Budget and the required Property Tax Impact Schedule, saying the proposed tax increase is estimated to generate approximately $59,000 in additional ad valorem property tax revenue — described in the meeting minutes as about a 16% increase above the estimated certified-rate ad valorem revenue. Knudsen said the additional funds are proposed for public safety equipment, recreation facility maintenance, park infrastructure improvements and other municipal service needs.
Why it matters: the interim budget and the proposed tax change establish the City’s short-term spending plan and begin a statutorily required public process before any final tax increase. The Council’s action triggers a Truth in Taxation hearing where residents may comment before the City takes final action.
During the hearing Councilmember Loren Steck asked for greater accountability on utility revenues and requested a staff report identifying completed water and sewer projects and planned infrastructure improvements funded by recent rate changes. Public commenter Bonnie Nielson told the Council she was concerned about the city’s spending and the combination of wage increases and a potential property tax hike.
Council action: Councilmember Bud Powell moved to adopt Resolution ECR 26-08 adopting the FY2027 Interim Budget, including the Property Tax Impact Schedule; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Anthony Beal and passed unanimously. The Council separately adopted Resolution ECR 26-09 acknowledging the intent to consider a property tax increase above the certified rate and setting the Truth in Taxation hearing for Aug. 19, 2026 (motion by Powell, seconded by Jack Dalene; unanimous vote).
Statutory context: the discussion and required statement were made under Utah Code §59-2-919 (the Truth in Taxation statute) and related provisions cited in the meeting packet. The initial public hearing on executive municipal officer compensation invoked Utah Code 10-3-818.
Next steps: staff will prepare the requested utility revenue/project report and publish materials ahead of the Truth in Taxation hearing on Aug. 19, 2026 so residents can review the Property Tax Impact Schedule and comment.
