Here is American Fork City Council candidate Ken Sumsion‘s answer to one of the questions I sent to all the candidates, presented here unedited and without comment except for this one. I enjoyed this in his e-mail: “I figure [a] 170 word question should be granted more than 100 word response.”
Continue readingTag: Truth in Taxation
Here are American Fork City Council candidate Christina Ballard‘s answers to most of the questions I sent to all the candidates. Her answers are presented here unedited and without comment.
Continue readingHere are American Fork City Council candidate Austin Duke‘s answers to the questions I sent to all the candidates. His answers are presented here unedited, except for two surnames added for clarity, and without comment.
Continue readingThis infographic very nearly speaks for itself. But a few notes, if you please.
One candidate is out there saying that our property tax rates just keep going up, year after year. This is not the case.
It’s true that someone’s property taxes can go up even if the City’s property tax rate goes down — if the assessed value of the property increases, or if another taxing entity, such as the Alpine School District, increases its rate.
The calculation for primary (first) residences is: multiply the rate by the assessed value of the property, then discount 45 percent. That’s the annual tax on that property.
Here’s your extra credit for the day. Some candidates can’t explain this, but maybe that’s okay, because it’s a little messed up.
The City’s certified tax rate (CTR) is set according to state law. A given year’s rate is the answer to this question: Looking at the same set of properties that was taxed last year, what rate will bring in the same number of dollars (perversely, not adjusted for inflation) as last year, given current valuations?
If the City lowers that rate, it’s a tax cut. If they raise that rate, it’s a tax increase, with special requirements for public notice and such. This is true even if the “increase” produces a rate lower than last year’s, or vice versa. So we sometimes see “increases” in which this year’s rate is lower than last year’s, and we occasionally see “tax cuts” in which the resulting rate is higher than last year’s.
The Utah Legislature calls this “Truth in Taxation,” and yes, it can be Orwellian. The long-term effect in practice is to starve municipal governments of funds, because to raise the rate even slightly, just enough to keep revenues equal in real (inflation-adjusted) dollars — and even if the rate ends up lower than last year’s — is a “tax increase.” And we all know tax increases, real or imagined, are dicey politics for incumbents.
Based on what I’ve heard from the legislation’s authors, this slow strangulation was an intended consequence. It’s clever, and it’s destructive.
Speaking of politics, why do you suppose a challenger running for City office would misreport the facts, saying repeatedly that our property tax rates have increased, when they clearly haven’t?
Want to make a difference? Share this. Before Tuesday. Help others learn before they vote.
Here is a longer discussion of certified tax rates, on the off chance that you haven’t had enough already.
Thanks for your excellent election coverage!
David thanks for another excellent post. This is very articulate, clear, and easy to understand. Too bad this isn't required…
The author's name is displayed just under the title. Usually, as in this case, it's David Rodeback. Thanks for the…
Who is the author of these blog posts? This one is excellent.
I listened to this interview of the council candidates. I wish that all my neighbors would take the time to…
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The chamber did post a video! I'm glad they did. Here's the link to the debate: https://youtu.be/o4aI9MRoI_c?si=9j5JGKI1TVyL1ab2
This is fantastic news! Way to go Rob! I’ve missed regular AF news so much since the Citizen paper went…
As David alluded, this won't be hypothetical for long. Bountiful City experienced just about everything mentioned in this article a…
Love your posts—the insight, commentary, and subtle(?) humor. You are spot on, as always.
Dear Elizabeth Gray, Both me and my husband voted for you. We feel that your background in mental health issues…
Such an excellent point! Thank you for the article and educating our young citizens about the importance of community involvement.
Hi, when you are going to finish the 200w road next Shelly Elementary school ? It is the bigger elementary…
Bryce this was very well written, in my opinion. It was very concise and to the point. I totally agree…
Thank you, David, for looking into this and for responding to my question.