Council adopts fiscal 2023 budget and proposes 40% city property tax increase
June 21, 2022, 6:49 p.m. · American Fork City Hall, 31 N. Church St.
The American Fork City Council adopted its fiscal 2023 budget 4-1, with Councilmember Rob Shelton voting no, and voted 4-1 to advertise a property tax rate of 0.001554, up from the certified 0.001094, about $10 a month for the average home and a 40.6% increase in city property tax revenue; Councilmember Kevin Barnes voted no because he wanted a larger increase. Higher property values mean about $700,000 more than expected, earmarked for roads. The council also amended the Patriot Station Community Reinvestment Area plan.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Amended Patriot Station Community Reinvestment Area plan | Approved · 5-0 |
| Proposed property tax rate and Truth in Taxation hearing date | Approved · 4-1 |
| Fiscal 2023 budget | Approved · 4-1 |
| 620 South/700 South cross section | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item SS1 · General plan
Amended Patriot Station Community Reinvestment Area plan
Approved · 5-0
Adopted the amended CRA plan for the Patriot Station area, which funds the 200 South widening.
Item SS2 · Taxes and fees
Proposed property tax rate and Truth in Taxation hearing date
Approved · 4-1
Finance Director Anna Montoya said the council's target of about $10 a month ($120 a year) for the average home produced a rate of 0.001554 versus the certified 0.001094, a 40.6% increase as advertised. Because valuations rose, it yields about $700,000 more than expected, which will go to road improvements. The rate can only be lowered at the Aug. 23 hearing. Barnes voted no, saying the levy should have risen more.
- Budget$700,000
- Certified rate: 0.001094
- Proposed rate: 0.001554
- Advertised increase: 40.6%
Item SS3 · Budget
Fiscal 2023 budget
Approved · 4-1
Adopted the budget for July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 after ten public meetings and outreach. Barnes asked about police/fire fuel costs and suggested holding the extra $700,000 in reserve (Shelton said the fund balance is maxed). Shelton questioned a new forester position under Community Services, which would start the tree program the following winter with help from parks and streets crews.
- Fleet operations increase: $13,295
Item WS1 · Roads and utilities
620 South/700 South cross section
Discussed
City Engineer Rebecca Andrus reviewed the 2020 cross section with a raised protected bike lane and median, which complicates fire access and street sweeping. Members split on raised versus painted lanes; Bunker warned painted lanes invite parking unless posted no-parking. Staff will bring options for built and unbuilt sections.