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American Fork officials consider property tax boost to fund interim fire station staffing
Summary
Finance Director Anna Montoya told the council a proposed property-tax adjustment of roughly $660,000 (about 9% of property tax revenue) would partially fund additional fire staffing for an interim Station 53; the proposal would cost the average household about $34 per year if adopted and cannot be spent until final adoption after a required public hearing.
Finance Director Anna Montoya told the American Fork City Council during an April 28 work session that the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes a planned property-tax adjustment totaling about $660,000, equal to roughly 9% of property tax revenue.
Montoya said the adjustment is intended in part to help fund additional fire staffing to support an interim Station 53. She told the council fully staffing the new interim station would cost approximately $1.4 million to $1.5 million for nine full‑time positions; the proposed tax increase would only cover part of that expense. Without the increase, staff said the city could fund roughly five of the positions rather than nine, forcing a leaner operational model for the new station.
The Finance Director estimated the tax change based on current values would amount to roughly $34 per year for the average household, using a $492,000 median residential valuation (figures subject to revision with updated assessments). Montoya warned that state law now requires a tax impact statement, additional public notice, and a remote-option public hearing before any tax increase can be adopted; any approved increase would become effective Sept. 1 and funds could not be spent until final adoption.
Council members debated messaging and priorities. Council Member Staci Carroll asked that the tax impact statement clearly explain the purpose of the revenue—specifically that it would support staffing for the new station—so residents understand the public‑safety link. Council Member Clark Taylor suggested framing the project by geographic coverage (for example, serving residents south of I‑15) rather than calling it the "third fire station," and Mayor Bradley J. Frost urged emphasizing emergency medical response and ambulance services when communicating to the public.
Next steps: staff will present the interim budget to the council on May 12, host a public budget open house the following Tuesday at 5:00 p.m., and tentatively reserve Aug. 11 for a possible public hearing if the Council advances the truth‑in‑taxation process.
