Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
It's not surprising talk of a tax revolt is surfacing in several Utah counties where home owners have been hit with dramatically higher property tax bills. An increase of 20 to 40 percent - in some cases more - will do that sort of thing.
Taxpayers are perfectly justified in voicing their disdain for a process that allows hefty increases in both tax rates and property valuations during the same year. Let them speak out passionately, intelligently and loudly.
Those with the authority to do something about it need to pay attention to what's happening and take action, especially before it gets to the point in Utah where it was in California nearly 30-years ago. Back then a taxpayer revolt led to the adoption of Proposition 13, a constitutional amendment that limited property tax levels.
Proposition 13 still evokes strong, divisive feelings among Californians. While it has kept the tax bills of long-time homeowners from rising dramatically, it has also led to enormous inequities. For example, owners of nearly identical homes on the same street often have radically different tax bills.
A better approach, in KSL's view, would be for Utah's leaders to heed the complaints of taxpayers . . . then work to address their concerns before a full-fledge revolt can get a foothold.
