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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 15, 2003

To: All Taxpayers in Sanpete County

Re: Proposed Tax Increase

Sanpete County is proposing an 85% increase above the county’s certified property tax rate. With new growth and other factors, the district’s property tax revenue will increase 700,000 over last year’s revenues. Currently, the county’s certified property tax rate is 0.1265%. With the increase, the property tax rate will be 0.2343%.

Annual Impact of Proposed Sanpete County Tax Increase
Property   $100,000 Valuation   $200,000 Valuation
Residence*   $59.29 increase   $118.58 increase
 Business   $107.80 increase   $215.60 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. Sanpete County’s proposed tax increase is the largest proposed tax increase of any county, school district, or city in Utah this year.

2. 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.

3. 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 Sanpete County’s increase.

4. 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.

Sanpete County will be conducting a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on December 19th, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. at the County Courthouse, Commission Chamber.


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