By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
Frustration filled the room as Iron County residents lined up to speak at a Truth in Taxation hearing. Some were angry, others worried, and many simply pleaded with the county to find another way.
For the first time in more than 20 years, Iron County is proposing a property tax increase, raising concerns in the wake of the school district’s recent hike of approximately $170 per year.
The county’s proposed increase would generate an estimated $1.2 million annually, adding $35.60 per year to the property tax bill of a home valued at $418,000, the median home price in Iron County.
County officials argue the measure is necessary to address inflation, retain employees, and meet the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population.
“This is the worst part of the job,” Commissioner Mike Bleak said. “We’ve all lost sleep over this; it’s not fun. But the reality is, with inflation and growth, we’re at a point where we have no other option if we want to maintain services.”
Commissioner Marilyn Wood, who chose not to seek re-election this year, acknowledged the difficulties of meeting the county’s growing needs.
“This is a hard job, and four years of it at my age have been difficult,” she said. “That’s why I didn’t run again. But I love this county, and I know its needs.”
The timing of the meeting drew sharp criticism from some residents, who suggested it was scheduled to limit public participation.
“You held this meeting at 6 p.m. on a weeknight, and it feels like you don’t want to hear from us,” one resident said. “The last time you held a Truth in Taxation hearing, this room was packed. Tonight, it’s not.”
However, commissioners said that the meeting was scheduled in compliance with statutory requirements.
Other residents focused on the financial burden the tax increase would impose, particularly on those with fixed incomes.
“My retirement hasn’t gone up 300% like my taxes have,” one resident said. “For those of us on fixed incomes, even small increases make it harder to make ends meet.”
Another longtime homeowner expressed fear that rising taxes could force them to leave the area. “We’ve lived in the same house since the ’70s, and now it feels like we’re being taxed out of it,” she said. “What are you doing to help those of us who can’t absorb these increases anymore?”
Several residents also questioned the county’s fiscal priorities, pointing to the $90 million price tag for the new jail project as a source of frustration.
In response, Iron County Auditor Luke Little defended the need for the tax increase and addressed common misconceptions about rising property values that some residents believed bring in additional taxes.
“When home values go up, tax rates go down to ensure the county collects the same amount of revenue,” Little said. “The only new money we receive is from new growth, and that’s simply not enough to keep up with the demands of a growing population. This year, new growth brought in $145,000, which isn’t even enough to hire and equip one new deputy.”
Little also explained a shift in the county’s tax burden, with homeowners now shouldering a larger share as industrial and commercial properties contribute less.
“In 2013, businesses like utilities and mines accounted for 15% of the county’s tax revenue,” Little said. “Today, they’re contributing just 6% because they’ve successfully fought to lower their valuations. That means homeowners are picking up the slack.”
Commissioner Paul Cozzens emphasized that the tax increase was a last resort.
“We’ve gone through the budget line by line, and there’s just no more to cut,” he said. “With the growth we’re experiencing and the responsibilities of government to provide services, this is where we’re at. There’s no other option if we want to keep the county running.”
Cozzens also addressed concerns about the county retaining employees — particularly in the sheriff’s office.
“We’re losing deputies to neighboring counties and the state because we can’t offer competitive wages,” he said. “We’re down five employees in the jail right now, and it’s costing us in overtime to cover those shifts.”
The Iron County Commission will formally vote on the proposed tax increase during its regular meeting on Monday, November 25, at 10 a.m. at the Iron County Courthouse in Parowan. A final public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget, which includes the tax increase, will be held at that time.
The commission is expected to adopt the final budget, including the tax increase, during its meeting on December 9.
1 comment
Gary
I was unable to make the meeting due to the time it was scheduled. I did contact the county. The representative informed me impact fees are only applicable to sewer hooks. The county should be receiving an impact fee for every new living unit whether it be single unit or condo unit that is built. The impact fee should be large enough that it can be divided between water, power, police, fire and infrastructure. Need for money should not be born solely by the taxpayer. Quit being afraid that the County won’t grow. All proof to the contrary.