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SALT LAKE CITY -- Several school districts around the state are considering tax hikes to close budget gaps. Salt Lake, Rich, Davis and Garfield districts are looking at raising property taxes rather than cutting deeper into their budgets.
Davis has the biggest gap. The Deseret News reports the district already slashed millions from its budget through eliminating two instructional days for employees, increasing classroom size by one student and not renewing 90 teacher contracts. It still needs nearly $10 million to break even.
If the school board votes to raise all five levies, owners of a $227,000 home would pay an extra $109.37 in property tax. Businesses valued at $227,000 would see an increase of $198, the paper says.
Retired Bonneville educator Harvey Johnson says he doesn't think Davis County should get any tax hikes because of how money was spent in the past.
"They built a new gymnasium, increased the height so they could play basketball," Johnson says. "They increased the number of offices in the building, but only a few classrooms [were added]."
Johnson suggests schools cut electives and tax families with more kids.
The Salt Lake City School District, which needs to close a nearly $2 million gap, plans to adopt a transportation levy to pay for bus routes. That would free up money for other expenses. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $12.54 in tax.
The districts will hold Truth in Taxation hearings in the coming days to gather public comment.
School district tax hearings
- Salt Lake City District: Today
- Beaver District: Thursday
- Davis District: Tuesday, Aug. 17
- Weber District: Tuesday, Aug. 31
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Story compiled with contributions from Nkoyo Iyamaba and The Deseret News
