Centerville raises city property tax rate to fund insurance, a police position and a fire assessment

Centerville's City Council voted 4–1 on Aug. 25, 2026 to raise the city's General Fund property tax rate to 0.001314 and to adopt its fiscal 2027 final budget, according to the approved minutes. Councilmember Rick Bangerter dissented. ^[1]

The city's public notice said the increase would bring in an additional $369,103 a year, 15.61% above the prior year's property tax revenue, excluding eligible new growth. ^[2]

What the city said the money is for

Finance Director Nate Plaizier told the council the rate would rise from the 2026 certified rate of 0.001137 to 0.001314 and that the increase applies only to the city's portion of a property tax bill, according to the minutes. ^[1]

He listed three uses from the city's property tax impact statement: $83,401 for higher employee medical insurance costs, $250,000 for a new police officer position and associated expenses, and $35,702 for an increased South Davis Fire District assessment. Those three amounts total $369,103. ^[1]

Plaizier said the city faced a fiscal 2027 shortfall of about $1.5 million and cautioned that continued reliance on fund balance was not sustainable long-term. The final budget also uses fund balance in several funds and includes a previously approved $1-per-can sanitation fee increase. ^[1]

The city manager's budget message, dated May 5, 2026, had proposed an increase of approximately 15%, which it said would provide $361,640. ^[3]

Effect on a tax bill

The notice estimated that the Centerville City tax on a $610,000 residence would rise from $381.46 to $440.85, or $59.39 a year. On a $610,000 business, it estimated an increase from $693.57 to $801.54, or $107.97 a year. ^[2]

The hearing and the vote

Three residents spoke during the public hearing and asked the council not to raise taxes, citing cumulative increases from local taxing entities and rising household costs, according to the minutes. ^[1]

Bangerter said he supported adding a police officer but not the full 15.61% increase, citing possible budget reductions, the effect on commercial owners and a preference for smaller, incremental increases. Councilmember Robyn Mecham said she strongly supported adding an officer, and Councilmember Brian Plummer cited the council's budget review, the fire district assessment and police staffing. ^[1]

Mayor Clark Wilkinson asked what would happen if the police position went unfilled. City Manager Brant Hanson said no statutory penalties apply if the city makes a good-faith effort to carry out the stated purposes. ^[1]

Councilmember Gina Hirst moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-23, setting the rate at 0.001314, and Resolution No. 2026-24, adopting the fiscal 2027 final budget. Mecham seconded, and the motion passed 4–1 with Bangerter dissenting. ^[1]