We’re heading into budget season, and this year’s draft budget for Ivins shows a $1.3 million deficit. With some trimming and deferring of expenses, we might reduce that to about $1 million, maybe less, but that’s not a solution, just a delay.
Why such a large deficit? The answer is too complex for these short articles. I’ll post more detailed information on my website as we work our way through the budget. But contact me anytime if you have questions.
So, to keep our city running well, funding police, fire, EMS, parks, and road maintenance, we will likely need to raise property taxes for the first time since 2010. No final decisions have been made yet, but I want everyone to start paying attention now, especially with important budget discussions coming up at City Council meetings.
Raising taxes isn’t something I take lightly. But after 15 years of holding the line, it’s time to talk openly about what it costs to maintain the quality of life we all enjoy, and what happens if we don’t.
The Utah Taxpayers Association states, “We recommend that taxing entities go through the Truth in Taxation process every 5 to 7 years to account for inflation and demographic changes. These intervals keep tax increases predictable, manageable and restrained.” Their mission is to promote sound tax policy and protect Utahns from unnecessary tax hikes.
- Ivins hasn’t increased property tax rates since 2010 yet prices have risen 51.9% due to inflation.
- Last year, 72% of the cities in the state had higher tax rates than Ivins.
- The Utah Taxpayer’s Association says about 60 cities and towns raise property taxes each year.
I thought we would need to raise taxes last year, and posted an article, “Yes I know Taxes Is A Four Letter Word.” It has a lot of information that is still useful in understanding our situation.
Please stay informed, join us at upcoming Council meetings, and plan to participate in the public hearing on the budget (most likely on June 5th). Your voice matters.
Let me know about Ivins issues that are important to you. Please email me with your concerns, ideas, suggestions, and recommendations. Sign up for monthly updates (click here)
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