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TAX ALERT! |
| From The Utah Taxpayers Association | |
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| 1578 West 1700 South #201, Salt Lake City, Utah 84104 PH 972-8814 FX 973-2324 | |
December 9, 2002
To: All Members in Kearns Improvement District
Re: Proposed 75% Property Tax Increase
Kearns Improvement District is proposing a 75% increase in the district’s portion of the property tax. The district is proposing to raise the tax to the highest rate allowed by state statute. If this tax increase is approved, the district’s revenue would increase from $444,316 to $777,796. District employees will be receiving a 3.5% COLA and merit pay raise.
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Current and Proposed Taxes for Kearns Improvement District
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| Property | Current Rate | Proposed Rate | Current Tax | Proposed Tax | Difference |
| $124,000 Residence* | 0.000457 | 0.000800 | $31.17 | $54.56 | $23.39 |
| $124,000 Business | 0.000457 | 0.000800 | $56.67 | $99.20 | $42.53 |
*Residences receive a 45% exemption under state law. Business properties receive no exemptions.
The district is also proposing a significant increase in water rates as shown in the table below
| Current and Proposed Water Rates per 1,000 Gallons | |||
| Quality Used Per Monthin in Gallons | Current Rate | Proposal 3 | Proposal A |
| 10,001 - 30,000 | $1.00 | $1.30 | $1.20 |
| 10,001 - 30,000 | $1.25 | $1.50 | $1.50 |
| 30,001 - 50,000 | $1.75 | $2.00 | $2.50 |
| 50,001 - or more | $3.00 | $3.00 | $4.00 |
These proposed rates are much higher than the rates charged by Taylorsville-Bennion or Granger Hunter Improvement Districts.
The Utah Taxpayers Association has serious concerns about a 75% tax increase. Raising taxes is rarely appropriate, especially during a recession when unemployment and bankruptcy rates are at historic highs and citizens are concerned about job security. Utahns already bear the 9th highest tax burden in the nation.
If not reduced, the district’s proposed increase may be the highest percent increase of any tax entity in Utah in 2002.
The district will be conducting a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on Wednesday, December 18th, 2002 at 6:30 p.m., Kearns High School Choral Room, 5525 S. Cougar Lane (4800 West) Kearns, Utah. The Utah Taxpayers Association encourages residents to attend the hearing and express their concerns about the massive tax increase.