Sandy council adopts FY 2023-24 budget and a property tax rate increase of about 14.9% on a 5-2 vote after Truth in Taxation hearing
August 22, 2023, 5:15 p.m. · Council Chambers, Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Parkway, and Zoom
After a Truth in Taxation hearing with 17 speakers, the Sandy City Council adopted Resolution 23-41C, the FY 2023-24 budget, fees and tax rate, on a 5-2 vote. Council Members Marci Houseman and Cyndi Sharkey voted no. The council adopted the Alta Canyon Sports Center budget and fees 7-0.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
In brief
4 items came up for a decision or discussion: 3 approved and 1 discussed.
1 vote was not unanimous: Truth in Taxation hearing: FY 2023-24 budget, fees and property tax rate (Resolution 23-41C) (5-2).
1 item here is tracked in the city's development tracker.
This write-up links 3 source documents.
Residents raised property tax increase, fire staffing, alta canyon spending, and speeding.
The previous City Council meeting was on August 8, 2023: Sandy council adopts sports venue sign ordinance and 10-year management study schedule; Sanders Road rezone draws opposition
The next one was on August 29, 2023: Sandy council starts annexation of Middle Deer Hollow area, authorizes up to $10 million in bonds for Monroe Street project and denies gas station zoning change
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 2 · Budget
City fraud risk assessment
Discussed
Finance Director Brian Kelley reported the city scored 355 of 395 possible points, a low risk designation, for the year ended June 30, 2023. Council members asked questions.
Item 3 · Taxes and fees
Truth in Taxation hearing: FY 2023-24 budget, fees and property tax rate (Resolution 23-41C)
Approved · 5-2
The notice said property tax revenue would rise 14.87% excluding new growth. On a $628,000 home, the city's tax would go from $317.77 to $365.09, up $47.32 a year; on a $628,000 business, from $577.76 to $663.80, up $86.04. The mayor cited an increase of about 15% and endorsed the budget, and Kelley described the process and ten budget challenges. Speakers in favor included Kathy Spuck, Bruce Cline (who cited $4.25 a month to fund eight firefighters), Joyce Walker, Sarah Hale, Sandra Haak, Paul Godot (who noted a request reduced from $11 million to $7 million) and a city employee. Opposed were Craig Ulrich (who cited the original 32% proposal), Jack Patterson, Jon Carlson and Daniel Derricott, and others asked the council to revisit. In debate, Council Member Scott Earl cited a $3.18 monthly effect; Council Member Ryan Mecham said a 0% proposal would have meant about a 7% increase per Finance; Sharkey said administration originally sought 43%, then 32%, and opposed a general obligation bond for Fire Station 31 on the ballot; Houseman supported a compromise with ongoing 3-2 fire staffing and a 10% across-the-board raise; Council Member Brooke D'Sousa cited $90 million in capital needs. The resolution passed 5-2: Alison Stroud, Zach Robinson, Mecham, D'Sousa and Earl voted yes.
- FeeAmount not given
Item 3b · Budget
Alta Canyon Sports Center budget and fees (Resolution 23-42C)
Approved · 7-0
Adopted 7-0 on a motion by Council Member Zach Robinson, seconded by Alison Stroud.
Item 4 · Other
Recess to convene the Redevelopment Agency
Approved
The council adjourned at about 8:23 p.m. and the RDA board convened to take up its FY 2024 final budget.
What residents said
Property tax increaseFire staffingAlta Canyon spendingSpeeding
Rachel Stone spoke about speeding. Seventeen speakers addressed the tax increase and budget; see the item.