TO: All Members in Murray School District

RE: Proposed Tax Increase

Murray School District will be proposing an increase in property taxes on August 6th at 7:00 PM at 147 East 5065 South, Murray. School district officials are proposing an increase of the 10% of basic and capital outlay levies. Total proposed tax increase is 11.9% and is one of the highest being proposed this year by any school district, county, or city.

If the tax increase is approved, school district officials intend to use the additional revenue for textbooks, supplies, and for renovation of Hillcrest Junior High.

If approved, the approximate property tax increase for $150,000 property would be $56.93 for primary residences and $103.50 businesses.

Utah taxpayers are among the most heavily taxed in the nation. Utah's state and local tax and fee burden as a percent of personal income 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 elected officials should consider this when considering imposing higher taxes.

The Utah Taxpayers Association is concerned that the Murray School District is considering a large tax increase. Fortunately, most Utah school districts acknowledge the financial difficulties that many Utah families are experiencing as a result of the current economic recession and have decided not to increase property taxes this year. The Association encourages all taxpayers to attend the public budget hearing set for August 6th and make their opinions known.

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