August 8, 2003
To: All Members in Carbon School District
Re: Proposed Tax Increase
Carbon School District is proposing a 16.7% increase above the district’s certified property tax rate. With new growth and other factors, the district’s property tax revenue will increase 15.3% over last year’s revenues. District officials are proposing increases in the voted and board leeway. Voters approved an increase in the voted leeway last February. A small part of this increase will be offset by decreases in the transportation and capital outlay levy.
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Annual Impact of Proposed Carbon School District Tax Increase
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| Property |
$150,000 Valuation |
$300,000 Valuation |
| Residence* |
$82.50 |
$165.00 increase |
| Business |
$150.00 increase |
$300.00 increase |
* Residences receive a 45% exemption under state law. Business properties receive no exemptions.
The Utah Taxpayers Association is concerned about this proposed tax increase for the following reasons:
1. Utah is currently experiencing severe economic problems. Utah’s per capita bankruptcy rate is highest in the nation and is twice the national average. Unemployment is still at historic highs. Increased taxes only exacerbate these problems and make it more difficult for businesses to hire and keep employees.
2. In order to stimulate the economy, the federal government has significantly reduced taxes. However, much of this economic stimulus is being reduced by state and local tax increases, such as Carbon School District’s increase.
3. Utah’s total state and local tax and fee burden as a percent of personal income is 10th highest in the nation and is 12.5% higher than the national average. Higher tax burdens lead to lower long term economic growth.
Carbon School District will be conducting a Truth-in-Taxation hearing Wednesday, August 13th, at 6:00 pm at the Carbon School District office, 251 West 400 North, Price.
*Please make copies of this Tax Alert and distribute them to
residents of the Carbon School District.
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