Providence dropped a 19% library tax increase and put an advisory question on the ballot
In May, Providence's council removed a proposed 19.03% property tax increase for a city library from its tentative budget. It chose a nonbinding Nov. 3 ballot question instead.
Continuing story: Auditing Providence
Providence, Utah, will ask voters on Nov. 3 whether the city should consider a new property tax to fund a library. The council chose the advisory vote in May, when it removed a proposed tax increase from its tentative budget. [1][3]
The proposal
At the council's May 20, 2026 meeting, City Manager Ryan Snow read a statement that the tentative fiscal 2027 budget included a property tax rate above the certified rate. He said the increase would bring in about $250,000 for the operation and maintenance of a Providence City Library, about 19.03% above the certified rate. [1]
Snow presented the estimated impact as $60.16 a year on an average primary residence valued at $566,172. He described two options: a Truth in Taxation hearing in August, or a nonbinding November vote that would delay the tax process. He said the city could not do both this year. [1]
The vote
Council Member Sealy moved to approve Resolution 03-2026, the tentative budget, and Council Member Kirk seconded. Sealy then amended the motion to remove the proposed 19.03% library tax increase from the tentative budget and direct staff to pursue a ballot question. [1]
The amended motion passed 5–0, with Kunz, Kirk, Sealy, Speth and Campbell voting yes. Snow said the Aug. 4 Truth in Taxation hearing would not be held. [1]
On June 17, 2026, the council passed Ordinance 09-2026 adopting the fiscal 2027 budgets. Campbell, Kunz, Sealy and Speth voted yes, and Kirk was marked absent. [4]
The ballot question
Cache County's election notice lists the general election on Nov. 3, 2026, and includes Providence City Non-Binding Ballot Question #1. [3]
The question asks whether, as the county library is closing, Providence should consider a new property tax levy to fund a city public library and related services. It estimates a cost of about $55.30 a year for the owner of a primary residence with a fair market value of $500,000. [3]
The city's voter pamphlet, issued by City Recorder Tyler Cameron, says the county no longer wishes to fund or operate the County Library in Providence. It says the results will be for information purposes only, and any future library tax would go through the Truth in Taxation process with required notices and public hearings. [2]
The 19.03% figure was a proposal. It was removed and never adopted. The November vote is advisory and does not itself set a tax.
Sources
- Providence City Council · May 20, 2026 approved minutes
- Providence City · Nonbinding library ballot question voter pamphlet
- Cache County Elections · 2026 general election notice and sample ballot
- Providence City · Ordinance 09-2026 and FYE 2027 budget
Reporting by The Utah Ledger from the public records above. AI-assisted, checked against those records.