Morgan County adopts 2026 property tax rates as assessor outlines growth and appeal risks

Morgan County commissioners voted to adopt the county’s certified property tax rates for 2026, approving CR 26‑23 and CR 26‑24 after a presentation by county finance and assessor staff.

County finance staff reported the certified 2026 rate at 0.001669, up from 0.00161 in 2025. The assessor explained that the certified rate is a calculation by the Utah State Tax Commission designed to raise the county’s budgeted tax revenue given changes in taxable value. The assessor said Morgan County’s taxable value rose materially — reporting an increase of roughly $400 million in assessed value year‑over‑year — driven in part by new growth in large developments including Wasatch Peaks Ranch.

The assessor walked the commission through the appeals process available to taxpayers and emphasized the risk entailed: if appeals are later sustained by hearing officers or at the state level, the county may need to refund tax dollars and adjust budgets to cover repayments. "We have to be cautious in budgeting," the assessor told commissioners, noting some valuations and appeals can take years to resolve.

Commissioners asked technical questions about what the tax rate covers (health‑department levies were discussed) and how the county’s budget and collections calendar aligns with certified rate calculations. After discussion, the commission approved both resolutions to adopt the tax rates and the assessing/collecting rate.

What happens next: Disclosure notices to taxpayers are scheduled to be mailed around July 22, and staff will track appeals and any adjustments needed as valuations are finalized.