The proposed tax increase would raise greenbelt taxes on a home valued at $212,000 from $99.94 to $116.60 — a 16.8 percent increase — and recreation taxes from $98.88 to $116.60 — an 17.9 percent increase.
The proposed increase would raise the tax rate from .000848 to .001, but Stansbury Park Service Agency Trustee Randy Jones, who handles finance matters for the organization, said the board has the ability to raise the rate as high as .004. They voted, however, to enact a lesser increase because of the current condition of the economy.
“People are hurting right now,” Jones said.
However, Jones said trustees felt taxes had to be raised to keep pace with the increasing cost of maintaining the growing community.
“[We need to raise taxes] just to keep up with the growing park,” Jones said. “Every time we bring on new green space or parks, we have to maintain them.”
The overall greenbelt budget is projected to increase by 21.8 percent this year — from $251,851 to $306,706 — while the recreation budget will increase by 22.4 percent — from $251,928 to $308,322.
Stansbury Park hasn’t had a tax increase in three years, according to Jones. In fact, he said taxes have decreased as more homes have been built in the area.
Now that homebuilding has curbed, however, Jones said trustees have no choice but to raise the tax rate — an increase they want to be steady and incremental over the coming years.
“If we let the tax rate go down too far, then if we want it to go back up to the maximum it will be a big jump,” Jones said.
Homes in Stansbury Park were reassessed upward last year, so even though the tax rate was still low, residents ended up paying more, Jones said.
At a public hearing Wednesday, some residents voiced support for the tax increase, knowing that some of the failing infrastructure in the park could benefit from additional funding. Others however were nervous about any kind of increase and asked the board to provide a list of projects that the money would fund.
A public hearing will be held Aug. 27, prior to the board making a final decision on the increase. Trustees say more documentation on the proposed increase will be provided at that meeting.
Jamie Belnap: jamieb@tooeletranscript.com
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