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News Specialist John Daley reporting
The issue in Utah's Davis County tonight is taxes. Hundreds packed a public meeting to voice their concerns.
The controversy is a 138 percent increase in the Davis County portion of the tax bill.
Many residents call that extreme.
Of course virtually no one enjoys paying taxes. And no one enjoys a tax increase.
But Davis County commissioners say a tax increase is needed, particularly to build a new jail.
A large crowd turned out tonight to tell the commissioners what they thought of that idea.
In the midst of a recession, governments are increasingly squeezed when it comes to funding. So are the citizens they represent.
Perhaps then it's not surprising that hundreds turned out in Davis County for a meeting about a proposed tax hike.
The big problem -- the old jail is overcrowded.
The solution -- a new $24 million jail.
To pay for it, county officials are proposing a 138 percent increase on county taxes which would increase the tax bill on a $163,000 home from $110 to $262.
Some at tonight's meeting wonder why county officials delayed this debate until after last month's election.
Others are frustrated the meeting wasn't moved to a bigger hall. And most seem to oppose a large tax hike.
No decisions were made tonight. Davis County officials will hold a meeting two weeks from now to vote on a final proposal.
