Council adopts budget changes and passes solid‑waste fee; proposes a 15.6% property‑tax increase and schedules truth‑and‑taxation hearing

Centerville City Council voted to amend the fiscal‑year 2026 budget, adopt a small solid‑waste fee increase and to set a proposed property‑tax rate that will be subject to a Truth & Taxation hearing later this summer.

Budget amendment: Finance Director Nate Pazier presented a multi‑department budget amendment recognizing donations and grants, developer‑funded projects, transfers to capital projects, recreation fee increases from higher participation, a near‑term contingency transfer for internal funds and a correction to the UTOPIA bond payment schedule. After public hearing and council questions, the council adopted the amendment (the packet references both Resolution 2026‑18 and 2026‑8 in different places; the motion on the record referenced 2026‑8) by roll call.

Solid‑waste fee: Staff said Wasatch Integrated increased its tipping fee by $1 per black can and recommended passing that cost to customers while absorbing ACE contract escalators from the sanitation fund balance for one year. Council approved Resolution 26‑9 to raise the monthly fee by $1 for each black (trash) container; recycling and green‑waste fees were unchanged. Residents asked staff to confirm replacement‑can volumes and staff agreed to follow up with a specification of can capacity and to include the neighboring‑city comparison in the packet.

Property tax: Pazier explained Utah’s property‑tax rules (new‑growth revenue plus optional truth‑and‑taxation increases) and proposed raising Centerville’s real and personal property tax rate for 2026 from the certified rate of 0.001137 to 0.001314, a 15.61% increase, to fund a new police officer, increased fire assessment costs and higher medical‑insurance expenses. Staff estimated the average owner‑occupied home would pay about $59 more annually (about $4.95/month); commercial impacts were also summarized.

Council action and next steps: Council voted to set the tax rate at 0.001314 and scheduled the truth‑and‑taxation hearing for Aug. 25, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. on the Centerville City Hall calendar. Roll call showed the motion passed with one councilmember recorded in opposition. The vote does not finalize the tax increase; it initiates the public notice and hearing process required under state law.

What to expect: Staff will publish the property‑tax impact schedule and materials for the Aug. 25 public hearing and will return with final adoption action following the required notice period and public comment.