North Logan council approves interim FY2027 property tax increase after public hearing

The North Logan City Council voted unanimously on June 3 to approve an interim FY2027 property tax increase for both general operations and library operations, approving Resolution 26-11 after a public hearing in which residents raised concerns about the size and math behind the proposed increase.

Scott Bennett, the city's budget officer, presented a Property Tax Impact Schedule the council said uses estimated county valuation figures because the Cache County Auditor had not yet published certified rates. Officials stated the proposal would generate $139,615 in additional ad valorem revenue — described in the schedule as an overall 8.2% increase — and listed estimated impacts of $30.40 for an average residence and $392.10 for a business property. Bennett also noted that a Truth-in-Taxation public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5, 2026, at 6:35 p.m., before any final adoption.

Resident Kelli Fife challenged the impact figures during public comment, arguing the combined 7.5% and 10.0% line items imply a larger total increase. "By my estimates and by what has been published at a 15% rate, so you're looking at 17.5% request ... at 17.5% you're listing that as $139,615. That actually comes out to $256,000," Fife said. She also said payroll and spending growth over the last decade have outpaced population growth and warned residents are beginning to carry long-term costs for capital projects.

Resident Cindy Beeston urged the council to seek efficiencies rather than rely on tax increases. "No one likes to see tax increases, and I understand wages for fire and police need to go up, but I think the city needs to look at how they're using the money that they're given," Beeston said, and she suggested the city consider charging nominal fees for library programs attended by nonresidents.

Council member Buzzy Mullahkhel moved to approve the proposed property tax increase as contained in Resolution 26-11; Emily Schmidt seconded. The motion passed unanimously, with Buzzy Mullahkhel, Emily Schmidt, Kenny Reese, Mark Hancey, and Larry Hepworth recorded as voting in favor. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously shortly afterward, and the meeting ended at 6:52 p.m.

Officials and the impact schedule included multiple line-item figures (for example a $93,812 general-operations figure and a $45,803 library-operations figure) and allocation notes in the transcript that appear internally inconsistent (for example, line items listed under general operations vs. program allocations). The council did not provide a numerical reconciliation during the hearing; the city has indicated residents may contact North Logan City or visit www.northlogancity.gov/tnt for more information. The Truth-in-Taxation hearing on Aug. 5 will provide another opportunity for public comment before any final tax-rate adoption.