TL;DR
The Utah Taxpayers Association identified 67 taxing entities proposing a combined $93.5 million in new property tax revenue, with hearings running August 3 through 27
Granite School District, Salt Lake City, and Cache County School District account for nearly half of all proposed increases statewide
A separate Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute brief explains why rising home values don't automatically drive these increases
Utah property owners face more than $93.5 million in potential property tax increases as local governments hold Truth in Taxation hearings throughout August. The Utah Taxpayers Association tracked 67 taxing entities proposing the additional revenue, with hearings running from August 3 through August 27.
What we know: These proposals aren't final. Taxpayers can show up to the hearings and speak for or against them before elected officials vote. The three largest proposed increases are:
Entity | New revenue | Impact on average home | Hearing |
|---|---|---|---|
Granite School District | $21.1 million | +$125.15/year on a $579,000 home | Aug. 18, 6 p.m., 2500 South State St., SLC |
Salt Lake City | $13.8 million | +$102.46/year on a $703,000 home | Aug. 11, 7 p.m., 451 South State St., Room 315 |
Cache County School District | $8.6 million | +$210.76/year on a $549,000 home | Aug. 6, 6 p.m., 2035 North 1200 East, North Logan |
Together those three account for about $43.5 million, nearly 47% of the statewide total.
By the numbers: Eleven entities are holding Truth in Taxation hearings for the fourth year in a row, including Salt Lake City, Granite School District, West Valley City, and West Jordan City. Nine more are on their third straight year, including Canyons School District, Draper City, and Logan City.
What they're saying: "Property-tax increases should never happen on autopilot," said Billy Hesterman, president of the Utah Taxpayers Association. He said the hearings give taxpayers a chance to ask why an entity needs more revenue, how it plans to spend it, and whether officials considered other options. Phil Dean, chief economist at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, added that confusion about the system often starts with a simple assumption. "Utah's Truth in Taxation system is often misunderstood because people naturally associate higher property values with higher property taxes," Dean said. He said property values determine how the tax burden is split among owners. Local officials, through the public hearing process, determine whether a government collects more money at all.
Why you should care: Rising home values don't automatically raise your tax bill. Utah recalculates its certified tax rate every year to offset value increases on existing property, which keeps total revenue flat unless officials vote to raise it. Statewide property tax rates have dropped about 42.7% since 1994, including a drop of more than 20% between 2020 and 2025. But your individual bill can still shift. Values don't rise evenly across neighborhoods, so some owners pay more and others pay less even when a taxing entity's total revenue doesn't change.
What's next: Check whether a taxing entity in your area is on this August's list, and mark the hearing date if so. The Taxpayers Association recommends asking officials what the money will fund, what spending cuts were considered, and whether you should expect another increase next year.