TO: All Members in Moroni City

RE: Proposed Tax Increase

Moroni City officials are proposing a massive property tax increase that is 147% higher than the current rate and 166% higher than the rate certified by the Utah State Tax Commission. If this proposed increase is approved, Moroni City will have the highest property tax rate of any city or town in Utah. Moroni City's proposed rate, 0.007, would be more than 200% higher than the typical rate for a city or town in Utah.

If approved, the approximate property tax increase for $200,000 property would be $480.70 for primary residences and $874.00 for businesses.

Utah taxpayers are among the most heavily taxed in the nation. Utah's total state and local tax and fee burden is 9th highest in the country and is 12.6% higher than the national average. Higher tax burdens lead to lower long term economic growth, and elected officials should seriously consider the negative impact higher taxes will have on economic growth and future tax revenues.

Cities, school districts, and special service districts throughout Utah have been reviewing their budgets and determining whether or not to increase taxes. Fortunately, most local government officials throughout Utah have decided not to raise taxes this year. To avoid raising taxes, many local governments are reducing expenditures. The few cities that have decided to raise taxes are considering modest increases. Moroni City taxpayers should ask their elected officials to seriously reconsider this massive tax hike.

The Utah Taxpayers Association is concerned that the Moroni City is proposing a massive tax increase. The Association encourages all taxpayers to attend the public budget hearing set for 7:00 p.m., August 14th at 36 N. Center Street in Moroni and ask their elected officials to reconsider this enormous tax increase.

.

     *Please make copies of this Tax Alert and distribute them to
       residents of Moroni City.