Midvale Council approves 11.92% property tax increase to cover police assessment and staff pay

The Midvale City Council on Aug. 13 approved Resolution No. 2024‑R‑39 to raise property tax revenue by $370,145, an 11.92% increase over the certified tax rate. Administrative Services Director Mariah Hill told the council the additional revenue is needed “to help fund the FY24 Unified Police Department Member Assessment increase of approximately $1.7 million, provide appropriate COLA and merit increases to our staff, and continue to provide the same level of service to our residents.”

Hill presented the revenue numbers for the proposed fiscal year 2025 property tax: certified tax rate revenue of $3,094,442, zero new growth, and $370,145 from the proposed tax increase, for a total projected property tax revenue of $3,464,587. She said the required public notices were published and that the notices and this hearing satisfy the Truth in Taxation statutory requirements. "This set of notices and the public hearing on August 13, 2024 satisfy the laws surrounding the Truth in Taxation process," Hill said.

During public comment, Diane Bjarnson said the increase is difficult for senior residents. "My taxes are increasing significantly due to the school district tax increase," she told the council. Another resident, Steve Anderson, questioned why the city is raising taxes given concerns about reported growth figures.

Council Member Dustin Gettel moved to approve the resolution; Council Member Bonnie Billings seconded. The council voted unanimously (Billings Aye; Glover Aye; Robinson Aye; Brown Aye; Gettel Aye). Council statements at the hearing noted the council reduced the originally noticed increase from about 15% to just under 12% prior to the meeting. The council did not amend the resolution during the meeting; the adopted figures were included in the FY2025 budget.