Midvale council adopts public-safety property tax to cover UPD cost increases

The Midvale City Council on Tuesday adopted Ordinance No. 2025-O-13 to levy a Midvale City Public Safety property tax at a rate of 0.000249 for calendar year 2025. Administrative Services Director Mariah Hill told the council the tax is projected to generate approximately $940,561 in new revenue and must be placed in a special revenue fund dedicated to public-safety expenses.

"The proposed Midvale City Public Safety property tax rate is 0.000249, which is projected to generate approximately $940,561 in new property tax revenue," Mariah Hill said, and she explained the FY2026 increase would primarily cover UPD cost increases: $473,143 (3.46%) plus an additional roughly 3% of prior-year cost ($467,418). Hill said the remaining public-safety expenses would be funded through a transfer from the General Fund. She estimated the typical Midvale homeowner would see an average annual increase of about $67.38 based on the city's 2025 average residential home value.

Council members discussed the allocation and effects. Council Member Paul Glover asked specifically whether businesses would be exempt; Hill said businesses are taxed the full amount and do not receive a residential exemption. Mayor Dustin Gettel and others emphasized the funds are restricted to public safety and will be placed in a special revenue fund.

The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Council Member Heidi Robinson, seconded by Council Member Bonnie Billings, and passed unanimously (Aye: Billings, Glover, Robinson, Brown, Mikolash). The council recorded the formal vote as part of the hearing record.