BRIGHAM CITY — The Box Elder School District board approved a 37.2% property tax increase early Thursday morning, a move that followed the public’s rejection of a $220 million bond proposal last November.
The decision, made after more than five hours of public comment, is expected to cost the average homeowner an additional $343 per year, while business owners will see an increase of about $624 annually.
According to the board, the new revenue will be dedicated to two priorities: a 2% increase in employee compensation and critical building improvements. The projects include constructing a new elementary school in the West Tremonton area and building additions to both Bear River and Box Elder high schools.
During a presentation before the public hearing, district business administrator Neil Stevens attributed part of the budget strain to unfunded mandates from the state. “Sixty percent of our new requirements do not have funding attached to them,” Stevens said. “The state puts a requirement on us. We have to fund it somehow, and oftentimes, the answer is property taxes.”
Responding to these concerns, State Rep. Tom Peterson, R-Brigham City, defended the legislature’s financial support for education. He noted that the state’s allocation to Box Elder County is projected to rise from $96.8 million in 2022 to $131 million in 2026, a nearly 40% increase. “I want to make sure that the public knows that we’re funding education at record levels,” Peterson stated.
Public opinion during the hearing was sharply divided. Some supporters of the tax hike directed their criticism at the Utah Legislature. Former student Joel Wilson accused lawmakers of “political cowardice,” arguing they avoid politically unpopular tax increases while leaving local school boards to make difficult decisions.
“They’ve essentially deputized you to do their dirty work,” Wilson told the board. “That’s not leadership; that’s passing their grenade and pulling the pin on the way out.”
Educators also spoke in favor of the increase. Todd Barrow, principal at Discovery Elementary School, urged the board to approve the measure. “As a board, you have a rare opportunity to vote on something that will have a real, tangible impact on what’s best for kids in our district,” he said.
However, many residents opposed the increase. Chad Kearl expressed frustration, feeling the board’s decision was predetermined. “You say this is trimmed back to not put too much burden on the taxpayers,” Kearl said. “Instead of the nearly $20 from the bond, I will now pay nearly double that of $38 a month.” Another resident, Steven Pocock, stated that county residents “cannot bear” the tax hike.
Board member Karen Cronin cast the sole dissenting vote, urging her colleagues to “respect the voice of the people” who voted down the bond. “If the district has a different plan… take it back to the voters. Do not force this 37% tax increase on them,” Cronin pleaded. “Many of our neighbors are already stretched thin.”
Ultimately, the motion to increase property taxes passed in a 5-1 vote.
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