Cottonwood Heights council votes 4-1 to propose a 42.6 percent property tax rate increase to raise $3.5 million, with a hearing set for Aug. 11 (draft minutes)
June 16, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Cottonwood Heights' City Council voted 4-1 on June 16, with Council Member Matt Holton opposed, to adopt an interim budget, a property tax impact schedule and a proposed tax levy that would raise an extra $3.5 million for fiscal 2026-27 and set that money aside in a restricted account. Finance Director Scott Jurges said the proposed rate would rise from 0.001268 to 0.001808, a 42.57 percent increase costing $252.45 a year ($21.04 a month) on an $850,000 average home and $459 a year on a business, and listed $3.5 million of cuts that would otherwise be needed. A truth-in-taxation hearing was set for Aug. 11 or a date set by the county auditor. The council also awarded two construction contracts and approved a general plan consulting amendment. The copy available is unsigned, so it is treated as draft minutes.
From the draft minutes. Updated October 30, 2026.
In brief
5 items came up for a decision or discussion: 5 approved.
3 votes were not unanimous: Interim budget based on the proposed tax rate increase; set aside $3.5 million of budgeted property tax revenue in a restricted account (4-1), Property tax impact schedule (4-1), and Proposed tax levy and rate for fiscal year 2026-27 (4-1).
This write-up links 2 source documents.
5 members were present.
The next one was on July 7, 2026: Cottonwood Heights council approves a general plan change and rezone for a 1.08-acre parcel and appoints a city attorney, all 5-0 (draft minutes)
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item Resolution 2026-34 · Budget
Interim budget based on the proposed tax rate increase; set aside $3.5 million of budgeted property tax revenue in a restricted account
Approved · 4-1
The council adopted the interim budget required when a city proposes to exceed its certified tax rate. Council Member Hyland said the city needs the increase, that it could possibly be lowered to 25 to 30 percent but another increase would be required next year. Mayor Bennion agreed the council must face facts.
- Amount set aside: $3,500,000
Item Resolution 2026-35 · Taxes and fees
Property tax impact schedule
Approved · 4-1
Jurges said the certified rate would be 0.001268 and the proposed rate with the added $3.5 million 0.001808, a 42.57 percent increase for residential and commercial property. The reductions that would be needed without the increase: general government $1,062,960; public safety $1,778,576; public works about $500,000; community and economic development $159,525. Council Member Hyland said the city has cut eight positions this year (8.5 percent of its workforce), eliminated its Culture Division, saved $55,000 on Butlerville Days and $70,000 by ending the printed newsletter, and expects the increase to carry the city about five years. A Citizen Budget Review Committee met in March and will continue in the fall.
- Rate: 0.001268 to 0.001808 (+42.57%)
- Home impact: $252.45 a year on $850,000
- Business impact: $459 a year
Item Resolution 2026-36 · Taxes and fees
Proposed tax levy and rate for fiscal year 2026-27
Approved · 4-1
Consultant Frank Nakamura said the proposed rate exceeds the certified rate and is intended to raise budgeted revenue by $3.5 million. The levy is subject to a truth-in-taxation hearing on Aug. 11, 2026 or a date set by the county auditor.
Item Resolution 2026-37 · Contract
Staker Way drainage and 2700 East and De Ville Drive roadway improvements
Approved · 5-0
Ratified a $259,786.50 bid and awarded the contract to Stapp Construction, Inc.
- Contract: $259,786.50, Stapp Construction
Item Resolution 2026-38 · Contract
3000 East and Big Cottonwood Canyon trail crosswalk
Approved · 5-0
Ratified a $298,166.55 bid and awarded the contract to Acme Construction, Inc.
- Contract: $298,166.55, Acme Construction
What residents said
Truth-in-taxation public comment is scheduled for the Aug. 11 hearing; a resident attended the June 16 meeting and was thanked by Council Member Hyland.