TO: All Members in Morgan County

RE: Proposed Tax Increase

Morgan County officials will be proposing an 8% property tax increase at a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, August 6th, 2002 at 6:00 pm at the Morgan County Courthouse, 48 West Young Street, Morgan, Utah.

If approved, the property tax increase for a $170,000 property would be $18.51 for primary residences and $33.66 for businesses. With new growth, Morgan County property tax revenues will increase 8% from the previous year.

Utah taxpayers are among the most heavily taxed in the nation. Based on U.S. Census data, Utah's state and local tax and fee burden is now 9th highest in the nation and is 12.6% higher than the national average. Higher tax burdens lead to lower long term economic growth, and local officials should seriously consider how higher taxes will impact Utah's economy.

In addition, Morgan School District is considering a 9.4% property tax hike this year. If both tax increases pass, Morgan County tax entities will be increasing property tax rates by a combined 9.1%

The Utah Taxpayers Association is concerned that Morgan County is considering a large tax increase. The Association encourages all taxpayers to attend the public budget hearing set for August 6th, 2002, at 6:00 p.m. in the Old Library Room at the Morgan County Courthouse, 48 West Young Street, Morgan, Utah and make their opinions known.

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     *Please make copies of this Tax Alert and distribute them to
       residents of Morgan School District.