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TAX ALERT!
From The Utah Taxpayers Association
1578 West 1700 South #201, Salt Lake City, Utah 84104 PH 972-8814 FX 973-2324

December 5, 2003

To: All Members in Box Elder County

Re: Proposed Tax Increase

Box Elder County is proposing a 24% increase above the county’s certified property tax rate. With new growth and other factors, the district’s property tax revenue will increase $804,580 over last year’s revenues. Currently, the county’s certified property tax rate is 0.1881%. With the increase, the property tax rate will be 0.2332%.

Annual Impact of Proposed Box Elder County Tax Increase
Property   $150,000 Valuation   $300,000 Valuation
Residence*   $37.21 increase   $74.41 increase
 Business   $67.65 increase   $135.30 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 high. 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 Box Elder County’s increase.

3. Utah’s total state and local tax burden as a percent of personal income is 9th highest in the nation and is 12.5% higher than the national average. Higher tax burdens lead to lower long term economic growth.

Box Elder County will be conducting a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on December 9th, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the County Courthouse, South Main, Commission Chamber Room #33.


     *Please make copies of this Tax Alert and distribute them to
       residents of the Box Elder County.
The Utah Taxpayers Association is a non-profit, non-partisan association working for greater efficiency and economy in government.